1 Photo
Lester Alan Birtwhistle
Alan Birtwhistle of Bridgehampton died on October 20, at home in Palmyra, Virginia, surrounded by family, after hard-fought battle with cancer. He was 89.
He had a generous heart, a love of reading, a passion for animals, a strong work ethic, a dry sense of humor, and an adventurous spirit. He loved genealogy and self-published several books detailing his family’s history.
He was born on May 23, 1936, in Englewood, New Jersey, to Lester H. and Dorothy Birtwhistle.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1959 to 1965. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School in 1968, and was a distinguished attorney for decades before opening his own law firm, Birtwhistle & Gibson, P.C., in Bridgehampton.
He made an impact on many through his charitable nature. A longtime member of the Bridgehampton Lions Club, he received the Melvin Jones Fellow award for dedicated humanitarian service from Lions Clubs International Foundation. He also helped establish a Little League baseball team, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, served on the local school board and taught Sunday school.
He married Martha Olmstead in 1961. Married for 59 years, they raised three daughters and enjoyed traveling with family and friends. He loved involving his family in church and was an active member of several churches throughout his life, including in Bridgehampton; Port Charlotte, Florida; Chesapeake, Virginia; and Palmyra, Virginia. He demonstrated putting faith into action through compassionate giving and service.
He was predeceased by his parents; his wife Martha; and brother James. He is survived by his three daughters and their husbands, Lisa and David LeFevre, Christina and Frank King, and Jennifir Birtwhistle and her significant other, Dale Quackenbush; his grandchildren, Shayne King and Rebecca Hart, Ashley and Jordan Crouthamel, Tyler LeFevre and Samantha Runyon, Abbie LeFevre and Blake Johnson. He also leaves behind his faithful dog, Mandy.
The family wished to thank his care team: April Shifflet, RN, from Hospice of The Piedmont; Dr. Tracey L. Krupski and Dr. Anthony J. Crimaldi from UVA Health; and Pastors Chris Long and Aaron Hurd from Lake Christian Church in Palmyra.
Memorial donations to any Lions Club, Hospice of The Piedmont (Charlottesville, Virginia), or Lake Christian Church (Palmyra, Virginia), would be appreciated by the family.
Staff Writer on Oct 28, 2025