Thomas B. Yester, 89, Retired Captain, U.S. Army, Branford
Thomas B. Yester, 89, retired Captain, U.S. Army, died peacefully at his home on Feb. 3, surrounded by his family, with his loyal dog Max by his side. Captain Yester was born in Branford on Dec. 29, 1922, son of the late Constant and Yacenta Yester, immigrants from Lithuania. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force on Jan. 23, 1942 and flew 35 daylight bomber missions with the 456 Bomb Squadron as a tail gunner on a B-26. Later, he was assigned to the First Pathfinder Squadron and flew additional 25 night and poor weather missions which were radar guided.
Captain Yester was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 9 Oak Leaf Clusters, the European Theater Ribbon with 3 Battle Stars, a Presidential Unit Citation, the World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, German Occupation, National Defense Medal, 15 and 20 years service award, and the Secretary of the State Service Award.
After World War II, Captain Yester enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard as a private and was promoted to second lieutenant. His unit was called into active duty in July 1950 at the outbreak of the Korean War. He attended Fort Knox Officer’s Armor School, served in Germany as a platoon tank commander, and was discharged in 1952. He was then assigned to the National Guard as first lieutenant, attended Fort Eustis Officers Transportation School, and was promoted to captain.
Captain Yester had served as a Post Service officer in the American Legion since 1980 and was a local agent volunteer for the Soldiers/Sailors Marine Fund for 32 years. He was awarded Service Officer of the Year and was also appointed to the Veterans Parade Committee in 1967, serving as chairman. In addition, he was a volunteer at St. Mary’s School for more than 20 years and was inducted into the Knights of the Round Table in 2003.
Captain Yester received his BS degree from Arnold College in 1950. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier technician after 33 years of service.
Captain Yester took great pride in discussing his service time with students around Connecticut. He was also an avid participant at the Hagaman Memorial Library’s World War II Discussion Group (www.hagamanlibrary.info) and was one of the first members to join the group.
His family expresses their heartfelt thanks to his caregiver Ahmed for his wonderful care and to the Connecticut Hospice nurses, Karen, Christine, Linda, Cheryl, and Otis, for their devoted home care.
Captain Yester is survived by one son, Thomas “Gary” Yester and his wife Kitta Ree; three daughters, Denise Garitta and her husband Frank, Patricia Smith and her husband David, and Kathleen Costello and her husband Kevin Copeland; 10 grandchildren, Thomas E.E. Yester, Christina Kursawe, Daniel and Matthew Garitta, Jason, Jessica, and Justin Smith, Michael Yester, Monique Costello, and Kaitlyn Copeland; and three great-grandchildren, Paul Beisler, Quinn Kursawe, and Jacob Smith. He is also survived by his close companion and best friend, Max. He was predeceased by his wife, Jean Perron Yester, and his brothers, Joseph and Edward.
A memorial wake will be held on Friday, Feb. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford (www.wsclancy.com). A funeral mass and celebration of his life of will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m., at Saint Therese Church, 105 Leetes Island Rd., Branford. Full military honors will be rendered. Burial will take place in Vermont at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Post 83, 243 North Main St., Branford, CT 06405, or to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd, Branford, CT 06405.