Robert Lee Jester

Robert Lee Jester peacefully concluded his long battle with lung cancer on January 7th 2016. Robert’s final days were spent surrounded by loving family and the many friends that Robert had touched in some small way throughout his incredible life. Throughout his life, he never lost his sense of wonder or imagination. No matter the obstacle, he kept moving forward. Bob, as he was known to those closest to him, was a talented chef and tenacious entrepreneur. But unknown to many, he was also an unshakeable optimist. No matter the situation, Bob saw opportunities to learn and grow everywhere he looked. He was a devoted husband, a dedicated father, loving brother and a compassionate friend who never let people give up and never hesitated to offer a hand to a friend in need. He worked hard his entire life and encouraged his children to never stop learning. In 1972, he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, a member of Hyde Park, New York’s first graduating class. His love of food eventually led him back to Money’s Restaurant in Middletown, DE. In 1980, Robert married Mary Crystal Rhoades where on their honeymoon in Orlando, Florida, he discovered another passion – Disney World and the Art of Animation. Over the years, he would return to Disney World many times, creating countless memories with loved ones that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. In 1981, Robert and his newlywed bride opened their first successful restaurant together, the historic Kitty Night House in Georgetown, Maryland. A year later, Crystal and Robert celebrated the birth of their first son, Richard Nolan in 1982, followed by a second son, Robert Anthony in 1985. In 1991, at the pinnacle of the Kitty Night House’s success, he opened the Village Pub, a sports bar & nightclub in Newark Delaware. In 1997, he returned to his fine dining roots, opening the critically acclaimed Harbor House Restaurant at Worton Creek Marina in Chestertown, Maryland. Robert managed the Harbor House until its closing in December 2014. Robert is survived by his loving wife, Crystal; sons, Richard, his wife Katherine (Katie), and Robbie, Sister, JoAnn & husband David Foraker Sr.; sister-in-laws, Kay Hill, Kim & Tina Rhodes, & Hillary Alexander, and many nieces & nephews. The family invites you to join them to celebrate this incredible life on Tuesday, January 12th at the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home on Churchmans Road in Newark. Visitation will start at 1:30 PM, followed by a Memorial Service promptly at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage friends and family to make donations to Toys for Tots or Delaware Hospice.

Robert Lee Jester

April 11, 1952 - January 7, 2016

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