Lester Scott Delinski
Lester Scott Delinski, 70, of Lake Mary, passed away Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, at Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, Fla.
Born May 19, 1952, in Arlington, Va., to Virginia Scott and Frank Delinski, Les grew up in Oxon Hill, Md., and attended Oxon Hill High School. At the age of 16 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War. Following his enlistment, he returned to Maryland and began his job in the early ‘70s as a Honda-certified motorcycle mechanic and later changed careers to become a carpenter. In 1980 he married the love of his life, Denise. They moved to Waldorf, Md., and later welcomed their daughter, Rachel, in 1986. That same year, Lester started his own remodeling business, Blue Sky Builders. During Les’ life in Maryland, he completed numerous historic, commercial, and residential restorations and remodels in and around the Washington, DC, area.
After moving to Florida in 1997, Les worked various construction jobs and was featured on the reality show Monster House, where he utilized his carpentry skills. Being a lover and owner of British sports cars, he also worked for a brief period at a British vehicle-restoration shop.
In 2004 Lester found his true later-in-life calling, which was working as a disaster-relief agent for the Small Business Administration. This job allowed him to travel the U.S. and he was part of the disaster teams to help people following hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and fires. During his years in the SBA he made many friends and traveled the United States and Saipan. In just the past year, Les semi-retired to spend more time at home.
No matter what Les was doing, he was a dedicated husband and father. He made every birthday and holiday special, making sure that Denise and Rachel always knew they were appreciated and loved.
Les was also very proud of his many years as an ordained minister, and in the last 25 years he officiated more than 20 weddings, many of which were for friends and family. He was always a mentor and confidant to those that knew him, as well as a wealth of knowledge. His wit and advice will be greatly missed.
Lester was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Scott Delinski; father, Frank J. Delinski, and brother, Frank J. Delinski.
He is survived by his wife, Denise (Raley) Delinski of Lake Mary, Fla.; daughter, Rachel (Jan) Graeser of Cocoa, Fla.; brother, John Pike, Sr. of Wasilla, Alaska; sister, Suzie (Marvin) Sawyer of Ft. White, Fla.; and a host of other family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Les on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022 at Buster’s Bistro, 300 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, FL 32771, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be served. Casual attire is appropriate.
Collison-Gramkow Funeral Home, Sanford, is in charge of all arrangements.