Obituary of John E. Nester, Sr.

John E. Nester, Sr., always known as Jack, passed away October 3, 2023, at the age of 87.   

Jack was born on March 13, 1936, the son of the late Daniel W. and Margaret (Dillon) Nester.  He owned and operated the family business, Nester Brothers Contractors until his retirement.  Jack was united in marriage to Joyce Newman on February 19, 1955.  The couple raised their children and shared 33 years together before her passing on December 30, 1988.  Jack was married to Sharon Kelly Gilleece-Nester on February 8, 1992. 

He was a lifelong resident of Clinton and devoted to his community. Jack was a 67-year member of Clinton Fire Dept. His service with CFD began in 1956, rising through the ranks, becoming Chief in 1977, serving in that office until 1983. He was Past President of the Oneida County Fireman’s Association, a member of the Oneida County Arson Task Force, was appointed Oneida County Deputy Fire Coordinator, Car 271, in 1985, and in 1989 he was put in charge of the Oneida County Air Van. He was Past President of COCVAC, a member of Clinton Kiwanis, active in youth hockey and Past President of the Clinton Sports Boosters.  Jack loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed watching his family participate in sports, especially hockey.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Church. In his younger years, he enjoyed golfing and hunting, and was a devoted NY Yankees fan.  Jack always looked forward to his trips to Florida to escape plowing in NY winters.  His routine included Monday morning coffee with the New Hartford firemen and his friend Dave Reynolds, Wednesdays at Tiffany’s and stopping at Charlie’s Place for tea. 

He is survived by his wife Sharon; his children, Christine and Michael Hughes of Holland Patent, John and Catherine Nester of Clinton, Colleen and Jody Thieme of Vernon Center, and James Nester of North Creek; stepchildren, Kelly and Ron Dobrzenski of Clinton, Shawn and Gina Gilleece of TN, and Erin and Art Mucitelli of Clark Mills; fourteen grandchildren, Jessica Nester and Matt Bader, Valerie and Jack Lighthall, Cody and Carley Thieme, Cheyanna and Ryan Wolanin, Kelsey Hughes, Cassidy, Alex and Brady Dobrzenski, Julianna, Carter and Liam Gilleece, Abigail, Connor and Emma Mucitelli; five great-grandchildren, Madison Bader, Hailee and Hudson Lighthall, and Ryder and Haddie Thieme; and many special nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his wife Joyce; his parents; two sisters, Shirley Hooson and Mary Jane Melie; and his niece Renee Downs and nephew Danny Melie. 

All are invited to call Monday, October 9, 2023, from 3-6pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College St., Clinton.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am Tuesday at St. Mary’s Church.  He will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Jack’s memory to Clinton Fire Department or COCVAC.