On January 16, 2023, Lester Aris Manosar, longtime resident of Del Norte County and World War II veteran passes away at 99 years old.
Lester Aris Manosar was the son of Greek immigrants, Harriet Vangelatos and Aris Manosar, who immigrated to America during World War I. They settled in Crescent City, California. They had three children Marie, Voula, and Lester. Lester was born on August 29, 1923, in Crescent City, California. He grew up in the same community where he attended elementary school at Crescent Elk Elementary and graduated from Del Norte High School in 1941.
After graduation, Lester joined the navy in 1943 with a rank of 2nd Class Aviation Radio Man. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II on the following ships: USS Guadalcanal and USS David. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
After the war, Lester attended College of the Pacific and graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and minors in Accounting and Personnel. He then returned to Crescent City and took over the family business, City Wholesale Lumber from 1952 - 1969. In 1970 he started Les Manosar Petroleum, Inc. He sold the company in 1983. In later years, he started L & M Transportation where he hauled bulk petroleum products, lumber and plywood.
Through the years, Lester was active in his community. He served as a Crescent City City Councilman from 1955-1966. He also served on the Crescent City Airport Aviation Commission, and as a board member of the Smith River Fire District from 1983-1985. Lester was also a member of the Elks Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
In 1965, Lester met and married Mary Sylvia Schmelke. They were married on May 12, 1965. In later years, they lived in Hiouchi, where Lester served as Camp Host and handyman at the RV park. Mary passed away on February 4, 2017.
Family and friends knew Lester as a friendly and outgoing man that never really sat still for very long and who had a passion for flying. He started flying after his military service was over. He held multi-engine pilot licenses from 1947 - 2009. He flew over 12,000 hours. Lester mainly flew Cessna 300/400 and Piper-PA 31 aircraft. In later years, he would like to visit the Crescent City airport and visit with his pilot friends.
After the death of his wife Mary, he moved to Seaview Assisted Living home in Brookings, Oregon. In September 2017, he was honored for his service in World War II with an Honor Flight of Oregon. Honor Flights is an organization that flies veterans for free to visit Washington, D.C. to visit the military monuments, and to thank them for their service to their country.
Like so many other veterans, his time in the service was a cornerstone of his life. He was very proud and felt privileged to have been able to serve his country during World War II. He was always so happy and proud to ride with his fellow veterans in the Fourth of July and Veterans Day parades in Crescent City.
Lester was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents Harriet and Aris Manosar, his sisters Marie Stowers and Voula Campbell and nephews, George and Andy Campbell. He is survived by his stepdaughter Teresa DeRigge, his two grandchildren Melanie Westbrook and Aris Westbrook, and two great-grandchildren Braydon and Hailey Westbrook, and eight nieces: Beverly Netherton, Athena Csutoras, Cherry Ouellette, Sheila Holland, Doris Tickel, Susan Calzaretta, Ann Campbell, and Michelle Hoque.
Please join Lester’s family for Committal with Military Honors at Del Norte County Veteran’s Cemetery.