US Army veteran of World War II

 Published in the December 17, 2015 edition

Gordon-Ivester-Obit-webCONCORD, N.H. — Gordon D. Ivester, of Concord, N.H., formerly of North Reading, died Dec. 10, 2015, at the age of 96. He was born on Dec.13, 1918 to the late George H. and Mary S. (Mansfield) Ivester. Five sisters predeceased Gordon: Velma Donahue, Doris Jackson, Merna McClellan, Eileen VanNorden, Edith Ivester and one brother John Ivester. His longtime friend Edie Sias also predeceased Gordon. They shared many adventures traveling the country and enjoyed square dancing.

Gordon graduated from Medford High School, Class of 1937. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940 and proudly served in World War II as an ambulance driver, receiving the Good Conduct Metal, American Defense Service Metal and the Bronze Star. He was a lifetime member of The Big Red One (First Infantry Division). After the war he graduated from Franklin Institute in Boston. Gordon worked for the Boston Naval Shipyard as a sheet metal mechanic, retiring after 21 years to become self employed painting and wallpapering.

Gordon enjoyed horseshoes, bowling, square dancing, traveling and reading. He took care of his beloved mother at home until she was 103. Gordon was a humble, caring and charitable person with a good sense of humor and a positive, never quit attitude.

Gordon was the beloved uncle to Mary Clinkscale and her husband Bob of Framingham, Edith Russell of Hollis, N.H., Lester Guest and his wife Faith of Lowell, the late John Guest and his wife Louise, Carrol Schnee and her husband Ralph of Lancaster, Pa. Gerald McClellan and his wife Kathy of Medford, the late Norman McClellan, Richard VanNorden and his wife Sandra of Benton, N.H.. Dean VanNorden and his wife Linda of Loudon, N.H.. Janice Kasey and her husband Tom of Chelmsford, the late Robert VanNorden, Debi Bois of Tujunga, Calif. and Keith Donahue of Maine. He is also survived by many friends and great neighbors. He will be truly missed but in our thoughts forever.

A Memorial Service celebrating Gordon’s life will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. Immediately following the service all are welcomed for a collation at Teresa’s Prime, 20 Elm St. (Rt. 62), North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice.