Lester T. Olmsted

RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Lester T. Olmsted, age 99, passed away peacefully on Friday eveningFebruary 14, 2025, in his home. He had the loving comfort of his daughter Brenda and caregiver Amy by his side at the time of his passing.

Les was born on December 12, 1925, in German Flatts a son of the late Walter F. and Olive Tainter Olmsted. Les began his education in Mohawk Schools and when his family moved to Newport he graduated from West Canada Valley High School. After High School, Lester served our Nation during World War II in the Army Air Force on the island of Guam in the Pacific Theatre and was honorably discharged in 1946. On June 12, 1948, he married the former Beverly Crego in the Newport United Methodist Church, a blessed and loving union of seventy-two years until her passing in 2021. For many years, Les was an Insurance Sales Representative with Metropolitan Life in their Herkimer Office. Later on, he was an automobile salesman for Skinner and Damulis Sales in Richfield Springs. He also served as County Representative for Otsego County at one time.

There are two words to describe Les, a Community Servant, he was a long-time member and Past President of the Richfield Springs Rotary Club. He was a Critical Care EMT with the Richfield Springs Volunteer Fire Department, where he had also served as an Assistant Fire Chief and Captain of the ambulance squad. Les was an avid skier and enjoyed the outdoors.

He was a friend to many and will never be forgotten.

Surviving him are his daughter Brenda Petty of Woodgate, a brother Walter Olmsted, Jr. of Arizona, two grandchildren Michael Petty and his wife Melissa, Elizabeth Petty-Cardenas and her husband Darren, one great granddaughter Tabitha Cardenas and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents and wife Beverly he was preceded in death by a daughter Mary Lee Olmsted and his sister Shirley Casler.

Special thanks go to his "girls" from Steps of    Grace Caregivers who took such wonderful care of Les the last 2 years, as well as Helios Care in the last weeks of his illness. Also, to his friends and neighbors: Melanie and Don Bruce, Randy and Connie Christian, Charlotte and Steve Plows, Marie and Vincent Guerra, Donna and Ross Jones, Pastors Chris and Wayne-your love and support will not be forgotten.

A funeral service for Mr. Olmsted will be Saturday May 3rd at 11:00am in the Church of Christ Uniting, Church Street, Richfield Springs.

Funeral Arrangements are With J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs.