Red Bank-raised, longtime Shrewsbury resident and former First Aid Squad captain and president, Lester VanPelt, passed away on Jan. 16. He was 94.

“Lester enjoyed spending time maintaining his yard and garden. He cherished his time spent with friends and family with a cold beer in hand and playing horseshoes. He and Christina enjoyed traveling back to England where they spent time with extended family and visiting the countryside.”

Loved ones of Lester VanPelt in his obituary

Born Dec. 15, 1930 in Long Branch to the late Lester VanPelt Sr. and wife Marion, Lester grew up in Red Bank.

While serving in the U.S. Air Force, he was stationed in England where he met Christina Beale whom he went on to marry and spend 70 years alongside.

Once back in the states he and Christina settled in Shrewsbury, where he became a dedicated 60-year member of the Shrewsbury First Aid Squad. While representing squad, he held several positions such as captain and president. He worked for various lumberyards before settling at Woodhaven Lumber, where he became yard foreman until retirement.

Lester was predeceased by: his parents, Lester Sr. and Marion; his daughter, Linda Cook; and his siblings, Betty, Patty, Billy, Eddie, Louie, Sydney, and John.

He is survived by: his wife, Christina; his son, Paul and wife, Connie, of Farmingale; grandsons. Douglas and Andrew Cook, of Henrico, VA; sister, Marion “Sis,” of Augusta, GA; brother, Ernest, and wife, Marybeth, of Bayville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service is set for Saturday, Jan. 25, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30, at John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lester’s memory and in honor of his lifetime dedicated service to the Shrewsbury First Aid Squad, 115 Haddon Ave, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 or at https://www.shrewsburyfirstaid.org/sems/.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home

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