John W. Lester

John W Lester, age 95, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025 in Tempe, Arizona. John was born in Binghamton, New York on September 1, 1930 to Clair and Evalyn Lester. He was active in the Boy Scouts and received his Eagle award in 1947. He graduated from Binghamton North High School in 1948. He studied engineering at Clarkson University (formerly Clarkson College of Technology) in Potsdam, New York, receiving his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (BME) in 1952. Following graduation, he was employed by the General Motors Research Laboratories in Detroit, Michigan.

He entered the Navy in 1954 and served for over two years in the Pacific Fleet, based in San Diego, California. While in San Diego, he met Shirley Bloyd and they were married in Lincoln, Kansas, on June 22, 1957. They moved to Annapolis, Maryland, where he was an Instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy for two years. He was released from active duty in 1959, and enrolled in the University of Minnesota's graduate school. He received his Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) in 1961.

While in Minneapolis, the couple's first child, Philip, was born in July 1959. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona in April 1961, and they welcomed Janet in May 1961. He was employed with the Allied Signal Aerospace Corporation (formerly AiResearch Manufacturing Company, and the Garrett Corporation; now Honeywell, Inc.) and was with them for over 29 years, retiring in 1990. He was a registered professional engineer in the state of Arizona.

John remained in the Naval Reserve after active duty rising to the rank of Captain prior to his retirement in 1987. He served from 1972 to 2006 as an Admissions Liaison Officer for the U.S. Naval Academy and was the Arizona State Coordinator, responsible for the Naval Academy counseling program throughout the state.

John was an active charter member of Los Arcos United Methodist Church in Scottsdale. He was also very active in his professional engineering society, the Society of Automotive Engineers. He was the founder of the Arizona section of the society in 1963, and served as its first chairman. He has served on many national committees of the Society, including its National Board of Directions from 1977 to 1980.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Shirley and his parents and sisters, Clair, Evalyn, Eleanor and Carolyn. Survivors include son Phil, daughter-in-law Beth, daughter Janet, son-in-law Dan, granddaughters Hilary (Patrick), Hannah (Jacob), Alexandria and Jenna and his sister Nancy. A celebration of his life is planned for Saturday, March 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Skirm Auditorium at Friendship Village in Tempe, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Valley are suggested.