Obituary of Lester Albert Mance, Sr.

Lester Albert Mance, Sr.
Pine Bush, NY

Lester A. Mance Sr., affectionately known as “Poppy” and lifelong resident of Pine Bush, NY passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at home. He was 83. The son of the late Howard Mance and Lovinia Cruver Mance, he was born in the Town of Shawangunk on March 20, 1942. He graduated from Pine Bush High School Class of 1961,  and enjoyed going to the reunions yearly. Les served in the Army from 1964-1970 and was stationed in Alaska as a plumber's apprentice during the Vietnam Era. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Deborah Horton and would often excuse himself from conversation by saying "I am going home to see my bride”. They recently celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary. Les worked at IBM in Poughkeepsie for 55 years and was well known for his punctuality and dedication to his work. He was an avid outdoors man and a lifelong member of the Walker Valley Sportsmen’s Association, where he proudly stood as President for over 40 years. In addition, Les was a founding member of the Shawangunk Snowmobile Club and sat on the board of various other community groups across the state. He had a deep love for nature, birdwatching, snowmobiling, and making maple syrup; all of which he passed onto his children and grandchildren.

He thoroughly enjoyed a good Roberson Auction where he would search for obscure items to bring back and ask ”What do you think it is?”, also known as thing-a-majigs or whatcha-ma-call its; strategically placing himself in the middle of ’the girls’, in an attempt to keep them quiet. Lester is survived by his bride Deborah; son Lester wife Amanda children Henry and Margo; son Adam wife Darcy children Adam, Megan and Thomas; and son Seth partner Nanette; his daughter Sera fiancé Robert Jenkins children Julia, Cora and Ryan; sibling Constance Hornbeck; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and in-laws. He is predeceased by his parents Howard and Lovinia; siblings Howard, Gloria, Grace and Robert; and his son Samuel.

Poppy was a loving and kind man, he will be deeply missed by both his family and many friends too numerous to count.

Visitation will be held on Monday May 19, 2025 from 1-3 and 5-7pm  at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush, NY 12566. Funeral services will be offered on Tuesday May 20, 2025 at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Walker Valley Cemetery. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com