Louis Lester Esser Jr.

Louis Lester Esser Jr (“Lester”) of Roslindale who died on September 9, 2024, will be remembered by his family and friends as a chef, musician, record-lover, and foodie among many other enthusiasms. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Esther Vegh, his beloved son, Leonard, his dear brother Allen, as well as his aunt SueAnn Valenti, cousins and many friends.

Lester was born and grew up in Tampa, Florida, where he took up the guitar at age 5, inspired by the Monkees. Convincing his brother to learn to play the drums soon after, they played together, first as country musicians, and then in the late 1970s as one of Tampa’s first punk bands.

The brothers moved to Boston in 1981, where Lester lived for the rest of his life. Lester was involved in many bands over the next decades, while also working at Harvard, where he met his wife. He developed a passion for cooking that he was able to turn into a profession as a personal chef in 2009. Among his clients were members of the New England Patriots. When not working, he loved traveling, gardening and watching his son play baseball and football.

Graveside services will be on Friday, September 13 at 11 am at The Gardens of Gethsemane Cemetery, West Roxbury.