Donald J. Kester

1923 - 2017

Donald J. Kester, 93, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his immediate family on April 6, 2017. Born in Philadephia,he lived most of his life in West Chester, graduated from George School, and attended Haverford College until his father passed away and he took over being head of his family. He spent 58 years with his loving wife, Elizabeth C. Kester, who passed away in March 2008.
?He was a CPA, who retired as a senior partner of the accounting firm KPMG. He then started his own consulting firm and continued to work from home,including during his final days.
Donald was a World War II bronze star veteran and served in the 7th army. He was a member of the American Legion post 134 Bernard Schlegel where he served for several years as part of the Color Guard and he was a lifetime member of the Union League of Philadelphia.
He thrived on the time he spent with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, who all learned important life lessons from his fascinating stories and sense of humor and his unconditional love, honesty, wisdom, patience, and strength at times of adversity.
He will be forever loved for his open heart and open home and generosity towards family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who crossed his path.
He is survived by his six children, D. Brian Kester of Hatfield, PA, Linda Kester of Redondo Beach, CA, Judith K. McCormick and her husband Frank of Lancaster, PA, Sandra K. Koechig and her husband Butch of West Chester, PA, Marc W. Kester, and Jill K. Cahalan and her husband Matthew of Coraopolis, PA and his 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy L. Kester and his brother, Dr. Walter L. Kester.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation on Tues. April 11, 2017 from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, 410 N. Church St. West Chester, PA 610.696.1181 DellaFH.com followed by his Funeral Service at 12:00 noon.
Interment will be in Glenwood Memorial Gardens Broomall, PA
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Fund (1-800-822-6344) or the Liberty USO (USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey 2700 Southhampton Rd, Philadephia, Pa 19154 Attention: Paulette Cleveland).