Lester Max

Lester S. Max, 97, of West Orange died Oct. 25, 2012. Born in Newark, he was a resident of West Orange since 1951.

Mr. Max was the founder and president of Oil Trades Supply Company and Max Equipment, petroleum and liquid handling equipment businesses. He continued to work in the industry in sales and consulting well into his 80s.

He graduated from Rutgers University’s class of 1937 with a journalism degree.

A decorated World War II veteran, he served his country in the European Theater.

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He was an accomplished writer throughout his business career, and a talented artist who created charcoal portraits.

A lifelong athlete, he won the Orange YMCA handball championship as a young man and later in life participated in the Senior Olympics.

Lester was a longtime member of the Orange YMCA and served as director for many years. He also served as president of the Llewellyn Gates Condominium Homeowners Association. He was a generous philanthropic donor to Rutgers and was appointed to its President’s Council. He was also a contributor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Predeceased by his wife, Diana Klappholz Max, he is survived by his son, Richard J.; a brother, Robert; a sister, Ruth Newman; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Private services were held with arrangements by Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home, Maplewood.