Lester Pelley
April 11, 1942 - July 10, 2024
Obituary
Lester Douglas Pelley passed away at home on July 10, 2024, in Madison, WI, after a fourteen-year battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was born on April 11, 1942, in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, the son of Ralph R. Pelley and Jennie B. Hudson Pelley.
He attended high school in St. John's, and at age 19 he left his beloved Newfoundland to attend Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts. He was graduated cum laude in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He earned his college expenses by working in the College Broom Shop.
On June 10, 1969, he married Judith Darlene Ball, whom he met in college. They celebrated 55 years together in 2024.
Lester's career spanned 43 years in various roles within financial administration for Seventh-day Adventist Church institutions, both at Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. One of his greatest satisfactions was mentoring and befriending the many college students who worked in his departments.
His primary hobby was first and foremost classical music, either live or played on quality equipment. He took great pride in the first set of components and speakers he purchased. His greatest joy was returning to Newfoundland for annual visits. After 2000, he was proud to hold dual US and Canadian citizenships.
At the age of 19, he was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church and was a lifelong member. He was also active in his local church and served as the treasurer for 17 years.
Lester was a dignified gentleman. A gentleman through and through.
Lester was predeceased by siblings Olive, Sylvia, Ralph and niece Jeannine. He is survived by wife Judith Darlene Ball Pelley, son Attorney Douglas Scott Pelley (Ingrid Satelmajer) and daughter Dr. Elaine Michelle Pelley (Benjamin Shoemaker) and four precious grandchildren Ryan, Alison, Derek, and Natalie. Also surviving are a brother Rudolph (Mo) Pelley, niece Barbara Pelley Montaperto, nephew Bruce Pelley, and nieces and nephews in Newfoundland.
There will be no formal funeral services held. Burial will occur at a later time.
We extend our profound appreciation to Brighton Hospice of Madison, WI; Senior Helpers of Madison, WI; and to Pastor Loren Nelson and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Monona, WI.
In lieu of flowers, remembrance donations may be made to any of these organizations. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625
Events
There are no events for Lester yet.
Photos
No photos of Lester have been shared yet.
Memories
DM
Dayle Morgan
Other • 10 months ago
Deepest Heartfelt Condolences to you Judy, Elaine, Douglas and families. Loved your visits to Newfoundland and always remember your kind words and advice. You will be truly missed. Love Dayle and Sandy Morgan
J
Janelle
Other • 10 months ago
I met Lester when I was literally days old. That was almost half a century. The Pelley family was my second family growing up. I stayed with them for weeks while my parents were out of the country. I was sitting on his living room floor watching the news with him when the entire country watched a white Bronco drive 40mph. Lester was the first person to hug me when my father called from thousands of miles away to tell me my dog had died. So many memories of a wonderful man. If I could wrap those memories up into one word, it would be "kindness". Lester was full of it, and I am fortunate to have known such a wonderful man.
DR
Diane Reese
Other • 10 months ago
RIP Lester. It was a pleasure working with you, your lovely wife Judy as well as your brother Mo. I always appreciated your kindess.
TK
Terri Kelly
Other • 10 months ago
I wish we had lived closer so I could have known him better. The obituary shows your profound love for Lester. Our live and prayers as you navigate his loss. Terri and family