James M. Lester

James Matthew Lester, a longtime resident of Dedham, died Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his home in Dedham. He was 94. James was born October 28, 1929 in Boston, Massachusetts a son of James Joseph and Agnes (Gavin) Lester, immigrants from Ireland. He graduated from Cathedral High School in Boston and worked for 42 years as a butcher for Stop & Shop stores. James was a member of Dedham Council #234 of the Knights of Columbus, the Norwood and Dedham Retired Men’s Clubs, and of the Norwood Senior Center. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary P. “Maureen” (Coleman) Lester and the devoted father of James M. Lester Jr. of Dedham and JoEllen Gurman of Taunton. He was the brother of Thomas Lester, Carol Gallagher, and the late Mary Donahue, and the loving grandfather of Joshua Gurman and Kaitlyn Misner. Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 8-10 am at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High St., WESTWOOD followed by his funeral mass in St. Mary’s Church, 420 High St., DEDHAM at 10:30. Interment will be in Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Mary’s Life Teen, 25 Avery St., Dedham, MA 02026 would be appreciated. The family would like to extend a special ‘Thank You’ to the staff of LilyCare for their exceptional level of compassion and care.