LESTER NELSON

1928 - 2021

NELSON--Lester. Born December 23, 1928, died July 5, 2021. Devoted and much-loved husband of Vita Reiner Nelson, father of Lee Leon Reiner Nelson, Clifford Samuel Nelson, and Cara Ritchie Nelson, and grandfather of Leah Casey Nelson, Jason Jacob Nelson, Samuel Spencer Peck Nelson, Sebastian Reiner Peck Nelson, Rowen Axl Wolfcale, and Siena Ray Nelson, all of whom survive him. Lester lived a long and active life. He traveled the world, enjoyed tennis, skiing, swimming, and jogging, was an avid reader, and loved classical music, particularly opera. He grew up in the Bronx, was valedictorian of his high school class, and graduated from City of College of New York in 1950 and Harvard Law School in 1953. Lester practiced law well into his 80s and was active in professional and community service throughout his life. His many contributions ranged from advising law students, to serving on the boards of the Humane Society, American Jewish Committee, and the Queen Sophia Spanish Institute. The following is an excerpt from his comments as Editor-in-Chief of the James Monroe High School Class of 1947 yearbook: "Man has inhabited the earth for several thousand of years and still war, disease and starvation prevail. Surely on this large planet there are sufficient goods to satisfy the wants of all peoples. Science with all its progress, economics with all its theories should be able to improve the life of the average citizen. Perhaps the answer to the problem of the world lies concealed in that word 'citizen.' ... The sincere citizen regards his job as a never-ending one and as a great responsibility. He realizes that only by the improvement of the conditions of all classes of society can he and his family raise their standard of living." Lester will be greatly missed.