Albert F Lester Jr.

Albert F. “Albie” Lester Jr., 50, of Norwich, passed away after an extended illness at Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City.

Born on November 10, 1969, in Norwich, Albie was the son of Sharon (Hagen) Lester (Rob Whittaker) and Albert Lester Sr., each of whom survives. Albie graduated from Norwich High School with the Class of 1987. He worked for a short period thereafter at CWS, but worked primarily from his home on his computer.

Albie was so very grateful for the service dogs that he had during his life, each of which he came to love, including Murphy, Katie, Mick, Gordon, and Blaze. He adored his cat, Zoe, and his two cockatiels. He also loved boating as a young child along the Erie Canal near Baldwinsville and was allowed to be captain of his parents’ boat. Albie was a die-hard fan of the New Orleans Saints football team and the rock band, Kiss. He attended two Kiss concerts during his lifetime and was deemed the #1 fan at one concert where Albie appeared on the concert’s big screen. He also enjoyed texting his niece, Allyssa, who lives in Buffalo. Albie wrote songs for his father’s band, Goodtime Rebels, who especially liked his song, “Mountain.” He also collected figurines of eagles, wolves, and black bears, and loved to ride his 440 JAG snowmobile. Albie was fond of visiting and watching the Niagara Falls. He was known around Norwich as a “speed demon” in his power chair.

In addition to his parents, Albie is survived by sisters, Marcy (Paul) Lepine and Crystal Lester (Joseph Ruby); and his nieces and nephews Allyssa and Nathan Lepine, Tyler Stockfield, and Travis, twins Jacob and Joshua, and twins Brayden and Brendon Lester; step-brother Matthew Ackerson; and aide and dear friend, Debbie Ostrom. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Loren and Ida Lester, and Ernest and Corinne Hagen; stepmother, Lisa Lester; as well as his aunts Betty Biviano, Doreen Lester, and Bert Curfman.

A funeral service for Albie will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, where the Rev. Richard Howard will officiate. Friends are invited to call on Tuesday at the funeral home from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Contributions in Albie’s memory may be made to the Impact Project, 4 Clinton St., Greene, NY 13778, or the the Chenango SPCA, 6160 County Rd. 32, Norwich. NY 13815, or to a canine service organization of one’s choice.