Lester S. Barritt (“Les”), 90, loving and caring husband of the late Elizabeth “Betsy” (Lewis), devoted father of David Barritt (Joan), Deborah Barritt Lyons (Jeffrey), and the late Peter Barritt, cherished grandfather of Richard Barritt (Angela), William Barritt (Dana), Katherine Lyons Sullivan (Patrick), Kimberly Lyons Baker (Brennan), Michael Lyons, Rebecca Barritt, and Megan Barritt, and great-grandfather of Harper, Carter and Briar Barritt, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024.  Les was also preceded in death by his parents Lester M. and Sibyl Barritt and his brother Ronald.

Les grew up and spent most of his childhood and adult life in Western Springs, Illinois.  He was a 1951 graduate of Lyons Township High School.  He graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana in 1955, where he ran cross country and was a member of Delta Upsilon and the Air Force ROTC.  Les served three years with the Air Force as a pilot and intelligence officer, achieving the rank of Captain.

Les and Betsy met early in their college years and married weeks after graduation.  They were married for 59 happy years before Betsy passed away in 2014.  They thoroughly enjoyed their family, a wide network of friends, summers at Silver Lake, WI, vacations to Hilton Head and Sanibel, cruises and trips off the beaten path.

Les received his MBA from The University of Chicago and had a successful career managing office buildings and other commercial properties in the Chicago area, along with various entrepreneurial ventures.  Well-regarded in his field, Les served as a long-time member and President of the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago.  He retired at the age of 83.  Les was an avid tennis player and golfer and enjoyed all sports, especially his beloved Cubs who won the World Series on his 82nd birthday.

Les will be fondly remembered by his family, friends and business colleagues for his wit, ready smile and laugh.  He was a cherished and loyal friend to many and legendary as “Bubba” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who adored him and brought him so much joy.   His memory lives on in all of us.

A Memorial Service will be held on May 15, 2024 at 3:30 pm at First Congregational Church of Western Springs.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Congregational Church of Western Springs, 1106 Chestnut St., Western Springs, Illinois  60558.