Lester Maynard II, 76

Lester Byron Maynard, II, 76, of North Adams entered eternal rest on Monday, July 29, 2024 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield with his devoted wife Lorel by his side.

Born in Lynn, MA on January 26, 1948, Les was the son of Lester Byron and Margaret (Bragdon) Maynard. His parents later moved to Adams, where Les spent his childhood growing up and received his high school diploma and attended classes at the former North Adams State College.

A decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, he joined the US Army and served with the Infantry Division from 1965-1968. He received many decorations and citations for service including the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service. He was also awarded The Army of Occupation Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal, along with Marksman Rifle Shot and Sharp Shooter Pistol Medal.

 After his service with the Army, Les joined the Coast Guard from 1972-1976, receiving the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, and later served with the Navy for a short period of time.

After his military service, Les was employed as a dispatcher for the Williamstown Police Department. Les’s love and adventure for traveling to numerous places became a passion whereby he became an Over-the-Road Truck Driver for 20+ years traveling the entire country including Canada. Upon retiring from the road, he then was employed as a Security Guard for the Clark Art Institute and Berkshire Community College.

Les was an active member of the J. Michael Kennedy Post 152 American Legion in Williamstown for 11 years where he served in the Honor Guard. He was always ready and willing to volunteer as a driver for his fellow veterans transporting them to any destination necessary. Les had a great interest in history and was constantly reading and learning as much as he possibly could. Les enjoyed spending time with his family and teaching his grandsons, Dalton and Daniel how to play cribbage and chess. He enjoyed fishing and trips to Lebanon Valley Speedway which was always on his weekend list for a fun night and a great time. Les was a member of the Lee Sportsman’s Club, the Cheshire Rod and Gun Club and the National Rifle Association. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Les is survived by his wife Lorel (Zoito), whom he married on December 23, 1995; his step-daughter, Michelle (Sherman) Haskins (Preston Greer) of Adams; grandsons, Dalton and Daniel Haskins, also of Adams; Brother and sister-in-laws, Mark and Karen Bentz of North Adams; and William and Kathryn Zoito of Pittsfield, along with several nieces and nephews.

Les was predeceased by his parents, and his in-laws, Joseph J. and Elizabeth S. Zoito.

Funeral Notice: A graveside service with full military honors for Lester Byron Maynard II, will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the Veteran’s Section of Eastlawn Cemetery in Williamstown, MA. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the J. Michael Kennedy, Jr. American Legion, Post 152, 681 Simonds Road, Williamstown, MA 01267 or the Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201 or through the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.