LYNN — Dr. Lester G. Jenkins, age 89, a longtime physician in Lynn, died on Wednesday at his home at the Bertram House in Swampscott after a brief illness.
Born in Lynn, he was the son of the late Frank and Marie (Salois) Jenkins. A lifelong Lynner, he grew up on Western Avenue. He graduated from St. Jean Baptiste School and St. Jean’s High School, Class of 1945. He received his bachelor’s degree from Holy Cross College, and his doctorate from the University of Ireland Medical School in Cork. This was followed by his OB/GYN residency at St. Margaret’s and Carney Hospital in Dorchester.
He was an Obstetrician/Gynecologist and retired after 30 years practicing medicine. He was quoted in the Lynn Item saying: “I think after close to 10,000 babies I’ve delivered, I’ve done my share. What has been fun has been seeing babies I’ve delivered having babies – it’s a great thrill.” He began his Lynn practice in 1964 and was associated with Dr. John Phelan for 24 years, and then with AtlantiCare for seven years. In 1990 he was named the hospital’s Physician of Excellence.
He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Dr. Jenkins was a longtime communicant of St. Joseph’s Church.
He enjoyed gardening, reading, attending the symphony and traveling throughout Europe.
He leaves a sister, Rita Doucette of Stamford, Conn., a sister, Eleanor Wykoff of Lynn, and brother, George Jenkins and his wife, Elizabeth, of Lynn, a sister-in-law of Ruth Jenkins of Lynn, and several nieces and nephews.
He was also the brother of the late Roland Jenkins, Francis Jenkins and Richard Jenkins, and was the longtime best friend of the late Ted Sawyer.
Service information: His funeral will be held on Tuesday at 9 a.m., from the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., Lynn, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Joseph’s Church at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Jean’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday from 3-7 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 40 Green St., Lynn, MA 01902. For online guest book please visit Cuffemcginn.com.