Following is the obituary for LESTER FRANK BOTTONE, Jr., submitted for the family by the Harding Funeral Home.

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Lester Frank Bottone, Jr., of Westport, passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in Hollywood, Fla., of complications due to a severe stroke. He was 80 years old.

Lester was a lifelong Westporter who grew up in the town with his family, who were an integral part of Saugatuck.

His maternal grandparents, Giovanna and Frank Nistico, started the famous Arrow Italian restaurant in the neighborhood, where he worked as a youth. 

Lester started his career in construction working alongside his father, Lester Bottone, Sr., and built many homes in the community, including his own which he resided in until his death. He subsequently served as a firefighter and first responder for the town for 34 years. 

Lester loved racing of all sorts — including MotoGP, Formula 1 and bicycling, especially the Tour de France — and fast cars. He built a Shelby Cobra and several race cars, which he entered in hill-climb competitions on the East Coast. He later started riding and rebuilding motorcycles, and began woodcarving. 

A charming, active and strong man, he believed in staying fit, and loved working in his shop and spending time with his family and friends. 

Lester is survived by his beloved wife of over 56 years, Helena; his children, Lisa Bottone (56) and her wife Carolyn; his son, Timothy Bottone (55), his wife, Kim, and their three children, Emily (17), Alison (15) and Katherine (14). He will be dearly missed by all his many family and friends.

 A gathering of remembrance and memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harding Funeral Home in Westport. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either the Westport Professional Firefighters Association, 515 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880, or Save Old Saugatuck in Lester’s name.