Lester R. Gordon, 87, of Poultney Street, Whitehall, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007 at Glens Falls Hospital.
He was born on Feb. 19, 1920 in Whitehall, at the "Elbow", the son of the late George William and Roseanna (Rushia) Gordon.
During the depression, he and his brother, Richard, joined the Civilian Conservation Corp.
On Sept. 19, 1940, he enlisted in the U. S. Army, serving during World War II, until his discharge in 1945. He was a First Sgt.-Parachutist in the 675th Glider FA NB, 11th Airborne Division, serving in Luzon, New Guinea and the Southern Philippines. He received the Asiatic Service Medal with Bronze Arrowhead and 3 stars, the American Defense Service Medal, a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.
Les retired from the NYS Armory in Whitehall as a custodian after serving 34 years and the National Guard for 15 years with 5 years active service.
On June 25, 1948, he married Patricia Benjamin.
He was an active participant in the community and enjoyed attending the productions of the Bridge Theater in Whitehall. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed joking and spending time with his nephews, Richard, Harlow and Robert Gordon.
Les worked as a carpenter, who built his own home and worked on several homes in the community with his uncle, Wilfred Rushia.
He was a life member of the American Legion, Post #83 of Whitehall, B. P. O. E., Lodge 1491 of Whitehall, 11th Airborne Division -Lone Star Chapter, "Angels" and "Static Line", a member of the Whitehall Senior Citizens and the Whitehall United Methodist Church.
Besides his parents, he is predeceased by one daughter, Roseanna; three brothers, Raymond LaGoy, Richard Gordon, Sr., and Francis Gordon, and one granddaughter, Lisa Moody.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia (Benjamin) Gordon of Whitehall; two children, Nancy Gordon Lauria of Florida and Gordon B. Gordon and his wife, Patricia of Whitehall; seven grandchildren, Gregory Gordon and his wife, Carrie of Lealand, N.C., Nicole Egan and her husband, Thomas of Whitehall, Jessica Lafata and her husband, John Paul of LeGrangeville, NY, Tina Winnie and her husband, James of Ticonderoga, Michelle Gast of South Carolina, Jennifer Bell of North Carolina and James Whitford of Virginia; 17 great grandchildren, Phineus Gordon-Hanley, Daphne Gordon-Hanley, Carter Lafata, Quinn Egan, James Winnie, Jordynn Winnie, Christopher O’Hara, Thomas O’Hara, Andrea O’Hara, Amanda Moore, Courtnee Moore, Brenden Moore, Calob Bell, Jacob Bell, Zachary Bell, Kenny Decker and Addison Whitford, several nieces, nephews and cousins and a special friend of the family, Phyllis Blackburn.
A funeral service was conducted on Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. at the Whitehall United Methodist Church, Greenmount Cemetery Lane, Whitehall with Rev. C. Don Wheeler, Pastor, officiating.
Friends called at the Jillson Funeral Home, Inc., 46 Williams Street, Whitehall, on Saturday, March 2, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The American Legion Post #83 conducted a wake service at 6:30 p.m. and the B.P.O.E, Lodge #1491 conducted a Lodge of Sorrow at 7 p.m.
Interment will be in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Whitehall United Methodist Church.
Following the mass, family and friends were invited to a reception for a time of refreshments and fellowship at the Parish Hall.
