Lester S. Fry, Jr., 87, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, peacefully passed away on October 9, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones.

Les was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and dear friend to many.  He is remembered for his loving, kind, gentle, and selfless nature.  He was the beloved spouse of Valarie Fry for 44 years, a supportive and loving father to his daughter Melissa Hague and son-in-law, Matthew Hague, a cherished grandfather to Emma Hague and a devoted brother to Joan Fry.  His family was his pride and joy, and he dedicated his life to ensuring their happiness and well-being.

Les was born and raised in Annville, Pennsylvania. Predeceased by his parents, Lester S Fry, Sr., an auctioneer and owner of Fry's furniture, and Helen R. Corrado Fry, an immigrant from Italy.   He was a proud alumnus of Valley Forge Military Academy and Penn State University, where he was the president of Pi Kappa Phi and graduated in 1960.

Les served as an Officer in the Army from 1961 to 1963.  During that time he was stationed in Germany where he guarded the Berlin Wall.  After his military service he obtained his CPA license and joined the accounting firm of Ernst & Ernst.  While working at the Ernst Philadelphia office he became partner.  He remained with the accounting firm through several monumental mergers and served as the Managing Partner of the Central Pennsylvania Practice and Coordinating Partner of the audit of the financial statements of many of the firm's major clients.  During his tenure as the Managing Partner of the Central Pennsylvania Practice, Les embraced the challenges that came along with the myriad of changes the firm had undergone, including two mergers.  Les was known to his partners and colleagues for his business acumen, his unending energy, his mentoring skills and his never-ending commitment to the success and goals of the Central Pennsylvania Practice and to Ernst & Young LLP.  Les' leadership was instrumental to the growth and success of the Central Pennsylvania Practice.  His commitment and selfless dedication inspired many both personally and professionally, who were committed to continuing his legacy after he retired from Ernst & Young LLP in 1996.

After his retirement Les worked as a CPA consultant for several clients until he found his way back to the city where he served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Chamber of Commerce of Philadelphia until 2009.  Les continued to work as a consultant for accounting firms such as Cbiz until 2020.

Les proudly and selflessly worked to provide for his family, offering not just material support but also a foundation of love and strength.  He always offered words of encouragement and support, and his positive outlook on life brought comfort and reassurance to all of those around him.  His unwavering optimism and kind heartedness left a lasting impact on everyone he met including his family, his loved ones and his partners.

He is remembered for his love of Penn State football, his ability to work a room and make meaningful connections with people where ever he went and his love of traveling and exploring the world while creating beautiful memories with his family and dear friends that will be cherished forever.

Les Fry is survived by his wife, Valarie Fry, his children Melissa Hague, her husband Matthew Hague, Amy Daly, her husband Bill Daly, Eric Fry, his wife Wendy Fry, Jeff Fry, and his wife Sarah Fry, along with his grandchildren, Emma Hague, Colin Daly, Alexis Fry, Ethan Fry, Holly Fry and Erin Fry.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on October 18, 2024 at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2400 N. Providence Rd., Media. Visitation will be from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, followed by a mass honoring his life beginning at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Hospital for Children in honor of Lester Fry's generous spirit. www.stjude.org/donate

He will be deeply missed but will live on forever in the hearts of those he touched.

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Arrangements:

Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
15 E. Fourth St.
Media, PA 19063
www.haganfuneralhome.com