Lester—Herbert Clifford “Cliff” Lester Jr., 94, on November 9, 2024, at his home in San Marino, Calif. Cliff was born on February 20, 1930, the oldest of three children, to Herbert Lester Sr. and Elizabeth Reamy Lester in Chester, Pa. The family became members of Chester Meeting. Cliff attended the Chester public schools and then Drexel Institute of Technology in Philadelphia, majoring in chemical engineering. After graduation he participated in an American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) German workcamp for a summer and then joined the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) in Philadelphia. He worked with this company for the remainder of his career.
In September 1957 Cliff married Jean Fuller from Milford, Ohio. They met in Mexico at the AFSC workcamp. They had four children, Susan, Jack, Carole, and Jane.
Cliff continued his journey with AFSC at the age of 23, serving alternative service for two years in Mexico and El Salvador. In his 60-plus years with AFSC, Cliff served as regional committee clerk, as well as a board member.
Cliff was an active member of Chester Meeting and then Orange Grove Meeting in Pasadena, Calif., where he was a beloved figure. At such times when the meeting lost its center, Cliff was there to gently guide members back.
Cliff is survived by his wife, Jean Lester; three children, Jack (Shaila), Carole, and Jane; and two grandchildren.
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