Stanley P. Lesta Jr. Dies October 18

Stanley Paul Lesta Jr. died at his home in Southampton on October 16, 2018, surrounded by his family, of cancer. He was 80.

Mr. Lesta was born to Stanley P. Lesta Sr. and Vilma Lesta (Bennett) in Baldwin on September 19, 1938. He and his family moved to Southampton when he was young, where they were congregants at the Basilica Parrish of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. On March 27, nearly 60 years ago, he married Anna Mae Nelson and they started a life together in Southampton.

Mr. Lesta worked 30 years as an estate manager. Survivors said his employers were among his closest friends, including the Doherrs family, the Redpaths, the Meyers and the Hymens.

Before that he worked at the National Golf Links of America and Shinnecock Golf Club in Southampton, where his family says he enjoyed fulfillment and a lofty self-respect for his efforts.

When he wasn’t working, survivors said he enjoyed time with family and friends, golfing, gardening or simply having a beer. He will be most remembered for bringing out the best in others and for his creative thinking; ideas that would come to him while gardening or bird watching.

Mr. Lesta was predeceased by his son William. He is survived by his wife Anna Mae Lesta; children, Paul Lesta and wife Laura of Cobleskill, and Julianna Ritter and husband Mike of South Carolina; grandchildren, Wesley Wojcik and wife Madeline of East Quogue, Kristina Wojcik and husband Josh of Maine, Danielle Lesta of Oregon, Zach Lesta of Cobleskill, Michael Ritter and wife Katie of South Carolina, Shannon Williamson and husband Seth of Dallas, and Nick Lesta of Cobleskill; and great-grandchildren, Chloe Bonney, Emily Bonney and Aiden Ritter.

The family received friends at Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton. A funeral Mass was held at the Basilica Parish of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary with The Reverend Michael Vetrano officiating. A small group of family gathered afterward for a reception at Shinnecock Golf Club.