Lester Russell Congdon

1963 - 2021

Taftville - Lester Russell Congdon died peacefully at his home in Taftville Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at the age of 58. Lester was born August 13, 1963, and graduated from Waterford High School in 1982.

He also received an associate's degree in electronics. He was employed for 27 years as a night carrier for The Day newspaper in Montville, and worked seven days a week, rarely missing a day. It appears from his delivery statements that he delivered his last bundle of papers Aug. 30, to the William W. Backus Hospital, the day before his death.

Lester is survived by his two sons, Eric Russell and Shane William Congdon; and two stepdaughters, Ashley and Amber Gordon, the children of his ex-wife Allison (Gordon) Congdon. He is also survived by eight siblings and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Clifford George Congdon and Lois Marie Wilkinson-Congdon; his brother David W. Congdon; and sister Cindy M. Congdon-Rancourt; as well as his partner of eighteen years, Robin Schulze of Oakdale, who passed away in the fall of 2020.

Lester was looking forward to retiring with his pension and starting a new chapter of his life. He will be remembered for his sweet smile and zany sense of humor; and will be sorely missed. It was noticed upon the day of his death, the church bells "tolled" from a church in Taftville - the meaning was derived from an English tradition marking a person's recent death through the "telling" of the death by signaling with a bell for seven slow rings. Lester would have liked that.

A private graveside service will be held at the family plot in the EKONK Cedar Swamp Cemetery in Sterling. At his request, Lester will be laid to rest next to his first son Michael Russell Congdon who died at birth. The Dinoto Funeral Home is assisting the family.