Henry Lester LeMien, Jr

US Navy

Korean War Veteran

Henry Lester LeMien, Jr, 76, of Bridgewater, died April 29, at his home. He was widowed from his beloved wife, Betty Jean, in 2001, after 48 years of marriage. Mr LeMien was born in Norwalk, December 26, 1934, a son of Henry L. LeMien, Sr, and Helen E. (Allison) LeMien.

Two children, including Henry L. LeMien III, and his wife Debbie, of Sandy Hook, four grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and a brother, survive him.

Mr LeMien began a career with Wyeth Laboratories that led him to jobs in Alabama, Illinois, Quebec, New York, Pennsylvania, and to Bridgewater following retirement. His life was marked by service, to his country, his community, and his church.

He held the rank of lieutenant colonel in the USAF Reserves. He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT serving in various officer roles for local fire departments more than 45 years. He was a senior instructor for the Connecticut State Fire School and an EMT instructor, and served as the disaster chairman and first aid chairman for the American Red Cross in numerous chapters. He served on numerous committees over the years in the Methodist Church. Every Thursday night for the past five years, Mr LeMien and his team distributed food to more than 50 families in the community. He loved the outdoors and the Adirondack wilderness.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 14, at 1 pm, at the New Milford United Methodist Church, 68 Danbury Road, New Milford. Arrangements are by the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to the New Milford United Methodist Church, designated for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, or the Adirondack Mountain Club at www.adk.org.

The Newtown Bee        May 13, 2011