WALTER PAUL "WALLY" LESTER Jr.
1941 - 2015
WALTER PAUL "WALLY" LESTER Jr.
1941 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1941
DIED
2015
WALTER LESTER Obituary
Passed away from pancreatic cancer on April 20, 2015. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and was predeceased by his parents, Rita and Walter P. Lester, Sr.; and a brother, Gary. As a teenager in the '50s, Wally and others formed a singing group called the The Crescents. Later, he met Jimmy Beaumont, Janet Vogel, Joe Verscharen, and Jackie Taylor. They went on to form the The Skyliners, and together they wrote and recorded "This I Swear" and "Since I Don't Have You", a song that went on to win a Gold Record in 1959. The Skyliners toured with the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars. They recorded numerous other hits, which were featured in various movies and recorded by other Artists. He was a member of ASCAP and was elected to the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame. Walt retired to St. James Plantation in 2002, from Fairfax Station, Virginia where he had a long career with Clairol, Inc. He left behind his wife of 51 years, Cecelia (Fuga) Lester; and sons, Douglas (Lisa), David, Darren (Shawn) of Northern Virginia and Daniel (Becky) of Southern Shores, NC; eight grandchildren, Jonathan (Samatha), Alaina, Kevin, Dylan, Allison, Madison, Justin, Matthew Lester; and one great-grandson, Shane Lester. A Funeral Mass will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southport, NC on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at 1 p.m. After the mass he will be interred in the columbarium at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a luncheon will follow in the Church Social Hall. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research or Lower Cape Fear Hospice in his name. Online condolences may be made at
www.peacocknewnamwhite.com. PEACOCK - NEWNAM & WHITE FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE, Southport.
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David J Spinda
September 29, 2025
I always think of Walt when I hear a Skyliner song on the radio. He was a true friend during our Clairol days together. Just a great guy. "To live in hearts, we leave behind, is NOT to die."
June 25, 2016
Hail Mary full of Grace- the Lord is with thee- Blessed art thou among women and Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God pray for us - now and at the hour of our death....Holy Mary Mother of God Pray for us who have recourse to thee- Amen +++
Denise Heffler Jensen
February 9, 2016
God bless my cousin Wally and his family. My dad, his uncle, was so proud of him. Even though we were in Texas, I am grateful that I got to visit with him and you, Cissy.
September 24, 2015
Cissy, very sorry to hear about Walt's passing and illness. He was always helpful to me as a Clairol Manager and trained me back in 1977 at your house.
I have a picture of Walt with myself and the gang at the Arizona managers meeting ( the one with Cheryl Tiegs.
If you would like a copy call me 585-732-9741
Ray Cohen
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May 23, 2015
Went to St. George and also lived on Loyal Way just one block from were Wally lived , we were in the same class 1 thru 8.
He will be missed
Walter Meyer
Ellwood City Pa.
April 28, 2015
Cissie,
I am so sorry to hear about Wally. Even though its been many years, I do remember all the fun we had together. He was a great guy, and, I know you will miss him very much.
Betty (Pepka) Klein
Dick Engel
April 25, 2015
Dear Cissie and Family, My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you at this sad time. I loved Wally and remember him as the wittiest person I ever knew. Road trips could be miserable but they never were with the Skyliners because of him.
Rock 'n' Roll Heaven has gained another great star. God bless you and know that you are in my prayers.
David J Short
April 25, 2015
Wally was one of my first childhood friends. I'll always remember his great attitude @ sense of humor. And, he introduced me to Annette!
Really young Wally!
Doug Lester
April 24, 2015
The guy in front teased my kids about their ears (flappers)
Doug Lester
April 24, 2015
April 24, 2015
Cissie and family... our deepest sympathy.
from your encore mah jongg group
Sandy Sholes
April 24, 2015
My deepest sympathy to you Cissy and your sons. We had some great times together with our families. Many memories of the Skyliners. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Dave & Sue Riley
April 24, 2015
Our heartfelt sympathy to you Doug and all your family. We will a Luminary in his memory at the Relay for Life.
Dave & Donna Spinda
April 23, 2015
As I listen to Skyliner songs this evening, they bring back great memories of Walt during our Clairol days and during his retirement years. He was one of a kind and in a very good way. He was funny, care free and a true and reliable friend over many years. Cis, Donna and I want to extend our deepest condolences to you and your entire family. Remember, "to live in hearts we leave behind, is NOT to die."
Dan Sill
April 23, 2015
Folks,
Every time I hear one of their songs it brings back memories that when telling others about growing up in the Allentown, Loyal Way area seem beyond belief to them. Thanks for the memories Wally.
May GOD bless you and your family.
Cindy and Ron Pollack
April 23, 2015
Dearest Cissy and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of Wally. Even though we are not with you, please know that we will keep you all in our daily prayers for strength and peace during this very difficult time. With much love,
Eileen and Tom Reinbold
April 23, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Our paths didn't cross often, but we will never forget Walt. He was a great guy.
April 23, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cathy McCann Dilla
April 23, 2015
Cissy, So sorry for your loss. Wally was a great guy. I have fond memories of growing up together in Allentown. He will always be the class of 59's favorite Skyliner. You are in my thoughts. Cathy McCann Dilla
April 23, 2015
With heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May you have Gods perfect peace until you meet again....Jean Gardner-Holzer.......wife of the late Jack Gardner
Pattie Caban
April 23, 2015
Cissy and family, I send my deepest sympathies. God bless you all, and may Walt rest in peace.
April 23, 2015
"Our love and deepest sympathy to our dear cousin, Cissy, and family. We pray that God will give them comfort and that Wally's soul will rest in peace."
Jack & Audrey Goga & Family (Bethel Park, PA)
Jack Marks
April 23, 2015
Wally
Rest in Peace my brother! The memories of St. George Choir, Loyal Way, your appendix attack, West View Park and trips with Joe and the Skyliners are some of my fondest memories of growing up back in the day! I'll never forget the day that You & Joe took me out to Washington Blvd. to the State Police Driver testing center in the Skyliners 56 Caddy, when the policeman checked out the car before my taking the test, he found that the License plate was expired, so I couldn't take the test. We went back home and got my Dad's 52 Chevy Suburban and went back out, the Policeman said, "if you drove this thing out here, I'd guess that you can drive anything"! You pass!!
Thanks for the memories!
To Cis and your family, I offer my sincerest condolences!
Jack Marks
April 23, 2015
Schoolmate and good friend from St. George grade and high school. Member of the original group, along with Al Nickel, Jack Maggs, Mike Repaski. God be with you and peace to the family. Phil Duncan
Jerry Barthelemy
April 23, 2015
I knew Wally through St. George School and Church.... He and other members of the group I saw at several early performances in Pittsburgh before "Skyliners" became a household name in the burg. In later years we spoke by telephone. May he rest in peace.
Betty J. (Rock) Losak
April 23, 2015
Dear Cissy and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a great guy and all of my family cared for him so much.
I have such wonderful memories of Wally and all of the Skyliners. We stayed in touch for so many years. They practiced in my living room before their big hit. Borrowed my car to get to New York. They were like family to me. My heart goes out to you all in the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. May he always rest in peace.
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1411 North Howe Street, Southport, NC 28461
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