Born in Boston to Lester C. and Mabel A. (Johnson) Hotz and raised in Roslindale. He enlisted in the Army in July, 1943 and served as an Engineer Mechanic in Track Vehicles, and was awarded several medals for his service in the European Theater. After the war, he remained available in inactive service and was honorably discharged in 1953 with the rank of Sergeant. After active service Lester worked as Service Manager for Mirak Chevrolet in Arlington, Gregor Chevrolet, and Ellis Chevrolet in Manchester. On a treacherous snowy night in 1950 Lester met the love of his life Gloria on a blind date. They were married in 1951. Lester and Gloria purchased their first home on Forest St. in Manchester MA in 1954. Throughout the years, Lester and Gloria had a menagerie of animals including horse Chester, pony Merrylegs, sheep, a goat, many dogs and a cat. In 1962 Lester started his own auto repair business at "the Old Regent Garage" on the corner of Bridge and Pine Streets in Manchester. He purchased and renovated 76 Summer Street in 1968 which was home to Kettle Cove Preservatives. The property served as a full-service gas, repair, and automobile inspection station under the Texaco brand. He was a talented auto mechanic who was trusted by many. Despite his fear of heights, Gloria gave Lester flying lessons as a gift in 1969. Lester quickly discovered he adored flying and earned his private pilot's single engine license. His primary planes were Cessna 150 and Skyhawk models. Due to his confidence and demeanor, close friend and corporate jet pilot Captain Bruce Gilson considered him one of the smoothest pilots he ever flew with. In 1969, Lester and Gloria purchased a lovely summer home abutting the White Mountain National Forest from Lester's Aunt Mildred and Uncle Bob in Warren, N.H. The home is believed to be the oldest dwelling in the small town with tax records dating back to 1763. Lester and Gloria traveled extensively throughout Asia, Central and South America, as well as the Southern United States and Hawaiian Islands. Their journeys brought them many memories such as seeing the Komodo Dragons in Borneo, the Incan Ruins in Peru, and the wonders of the Galapagos Islands. Gloria was an avid birder and in their travels they logged sightings of 3200 species of birds together. In 1992 Lester retired and he and Gloria spent winters in their Florida house in Cedar Key. After Gloria passed in 2007, Lester moved to Gloucester, with his daughter and family. His dear friend, Skip (Philip) Marr enabled Lester to spend summers in his later years in Warren by setting up his motorhome in the yard and helping Lester as needed. Recently his health required frequent monitoring and he moved to Seacoast Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility where he developed friendships with many of the outstanding healthcare staff. One of Lester's proudest moments was his grandson's accomplishment of earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics, as Lester helped inspire him with his vast knowledge of engines. He is predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Gloria (Clark), his sisters June Lovejoy, Dr. Davida Comba, and sister-in-law, Lucille Davis. He is survived by his daughter, Leslie Hotz Taliadoros, her husband Ken, and their son Jonathan, and his sister-in-law, Natalie Clark. Also, nieces and nephews, Davida, Alan, Vanessa, Adam, Mark, Amanda, Susan, Richard, Heidi and many great friends who have kept in contact with him over the decades. Keeping with his wishes, there will be no visiting hours or funeral services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Cape Ann Animal Aid Association, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930; MSPCA, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844; Friends of Seacoast, 292 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930; or to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com.
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