Obituary of Rodney Matthew Lester Sr.

Rodney Matthew Lester was the first of three born to the late Sadie (nee Motley) and Bernard Lester on November 7, 1955, in Philadelphia, PA. Rodney peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, surrounded by family. Rodney grew up in the East Germantown area of Philadelphia. Where he attended the schools of Philadelphia and graduated from Germantown High School in 1973. Rodney was employed by the City of Philadelphia Streets Department, until his retirement in 2013. While employed there, He was an active member of District Council 33 Municipal Workers Union, Local 427 and served as a Shop Steward Union Representative, elected to represent his co-workers. He also assisted his father at his business, S. White Janitorial Services. Rodney was the father of three sons and two daughters. He was not the blood father of them all but there are no steps in our family. Rodney was a very proud father who loved jazz, fishing, cooking, trains and football. He shared this passion with his sons and grandsons. Rodney would often take his son Rodney, Jr. and grandson Aaron to Marsh Creek to catch the big one! At family gatherings, Rodney was known for his peach cobbler and sweet potato pies. Rodney was a Mason of the Prince Hall Lodge Phoenix #3. He loved to discuss religion, history, and politics. With his laid-back personality and his low-key voice, he would run everybody away with his vast amount of knowledge. Rodney was well liked in the neighborhood and was known to the kids as "Pops" or "Dad". Lots of the older kids would come to him for his wisdom and advice. Rodney knew the need of Christ in his life. Although he couldn't physically attend church, he participated virtually with Provision of Grace World Mission Church under the leadership of Pastor Tony Pritchette. During his declining health, He had many caretakers, but he couldn't find any better than his son Rodney, Jr., and his Grandson Damir. This dynamic duo saw that Rodney had everything that he needed. Nothing or no one could come between them and the care they gave. Rodney also had a special caretaker, Iris "Jean" Jenkins. He would often get mad at her because she would make him do many things, he thought he couldn't do. Rodney was preceded in death by his Mother Sadie, Father Bernard and his father's wife Sheila, sister Denise and grandson Aaron. Rodney will be missed by his only uncle Harold, brothers – Bernard (Alexa), Darius (Zipporah), sisters – Daria (Tyrone), Ursula, daughters – Tamara (Mark), Keisha (Jaleel), sons – Marvin (Lisa), Jermaine (Shakia), Rodney, Jr., Grandsons – Ikeem, Kahlil, Lamont, Damir, Jaden, Joshua, Rodney, III, Noah, granddaughters – Imani, Sierra, Aaliyah, Cassidy, Great Grandsons – , Logan, Cameron, Kai, and Great Granddaughter – Kree, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.