Lester Munday

Lester Munday 90, native New Yorker, inveterate tinkerer, loving husband and father, a man of strength and kindness, passed away quietly in Phoenix, April 27, 2011 after brief illness. He was joyfully connoisseur of matzo brie; profound singer of Classics; and ballroom dancer with his love and wife of 62 years, Laura. After serving in WW II (Pacific), Lester sang as a member of The Metropolitan Opera. In 1961 the family ventured to Arizona, where Lester led a varied career before named bailiff of Arizona Superior Court by Judge Lillian Fisher (ret.) in 1974. There for 17 years, Lester also polished his character sketch drawing talents. As officer for Knights of Pythias of Arizona, member of Jewish War Veterans Post 201, and volunteer at Tucson VA Hospital, he served long and well. In final illness, he delighted in photos of his granddaughter's recent wedding in Chicago. He always had a Good Song in his heart. Lester is survived by wife, Laura; son, Michael (Michele), Tucson; daughter, Heather (Stanley) Rykowski, Phoenix and son, Kevin (Margaret), Tustin, CA; granddaughters, Shari (Marc) Schwartz, Phoenix and Suzanne (Daniel) Reicher, Chicago, IL; great-grandson, Zachary Schwartz; sister-in-law, Harriet Martin; and many good friends and family. Internment: National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. Donations in Lester's memory may be to: Jewish War Veterans Post 201, c/o Murray Baker 1306 S. Avenida Polar #11, Tucson, AZ 85710. Arrangements by NATIONAL CREMATION SOCIETY.