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Cornelis G. Kester
January 9, 1940 to July 14, 2023
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Cornelis G. Kester, 83, passed away unexpectedly, late Friday evening, July 14, 2023, with his loving wife by his side. Cor was born on a blistering cold Tuesday, Jan. 9, 1940, in The Netherlands, the son of Theodorus and Hendrica Van Steekelenburg Kester. Cor met the love of his life, Joyce, in 1967, in Puerto Rico, and the rest as they say, is history. They were married in 1976 and created a beautiful life together over the course of 47 years of marriage.
Cor came to this country in 1975, following many years spent in Puerto Rico and Peru with the Dutch Dominican Order, following his call to serve others. Cor was deeply rooted in his faith and was a member of St. Patrick Church in Hubbard and a former member of Holy Spirit Parish in New Bedford, in which he was involved in numerous activities. He was a member of the choir, a lector, Sacristan, Eucharistic minister at church and for the homebound, member of Parish Council, RCIA, Marriage Prep, Baptism Training, and he volunteered at the Lenten Friday fish dinners and many church breakfasts.
Cor was actively involved in his community, serving in varied capacities with many organizations, committees and boards, including the Mahoning Valley Men’s Garden Club, New Bedford Lions Club, Goodwill, Primary Health Networ, and Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry, to name a few.
He was blessed with kids, Ted and Kelly, who both benefited greatly from his love, support and encouragement in every stage of their lives. He celebrated their many accomplishments and was very proud of them both. He was adored by his five grandkids, he was their Opa, and spent countless hours reading with them and playing games.
Cor supported his children in their endeavors by coaching youth soccer teams for Wilmington Area Soccer Club, as well as the girls’ soccer coach at Ursuline High School, and was president of the Ursuline Band Boosters. More recently, Cor was involved in mission work with the Jesuits in Peru and always sought to help his fellow man. This led him to participate in several medical mission trips to remote areas of South America
His selflessness was evident throughout his career, beginning with the Youngstown Community Action Council, Mercer County Mental Health, director of Planning at St. Elizabeth Hospital, and finally as the assistant administrator for Mahoning County Job and Family Services, retiring in 2004.
Cor was an avid gardener and enjoyed planting both flower and vegetable gardens. He always had advice, seeds or transplants to offer for family and friends. He had a passion for farming and caring for his animals, particularly the alpacas that came to the farm in 2008. Most afternoons you could find him watching a soccer match or reading a good book. He had a love of all things Peruvian. Cor would be one of the first people out on the dance floor for any celebration. His positive outlook was a blessing to all who met him, and his work ethic was unmatched.
To cherish his memory, Cor leaves his loving wife, Joyce, formerly McGunigal, whom he wed May 1, 1976; a son, Ted (Julie) Kester of Canfield; a daughter, Kelly (Shane) Hochstetler of Exeter, N.H.; and his precious grandchildren, Callie, Riley, Emma, Cora and Paul. Also surviving Cor are siblings, Wim, Theo, Graard, Truus, Riek, Leonore, Margo, Jose and Michael.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, and sisters, Wilhelmina and Marianne.
The Kester family will receive relatives and friends 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 20, 2023, and 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2023, at St. Patrick Church in Hubbard, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St Patrick’s, celebrated by the Rev. Father Michael Swierz.
Eternal rest grant unto Cor, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
