Lester Alan Birtwhistle

(1936 - 2025)

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

On Monday, October 20th, at 89 years old, our Dad and Poppop, Alan Birtwhistle, lost his hard-fought battle with renal cell carcinoma. He passed away at home in Palmyra, VA, surrounded by family and his devoted dog, Mandy. Alan was loved by so many—not a common occurrence for a New York attorney. He will be missed beyond words but remembered fondly for the person he was and the values he encouraged us to uphold. He had an extremely generous and kind heart, a fierce love of reading, a passion for animals, a strong work ethic, a dry sense of humor, and an adventurous spirit. Alan was also an avid researcher and loved genealogy. He self-published several books detailing our family's history and ancestors.

Alan was born on May 23, 1936, in Englewood, New Jersey, to Lester H. and Dorothy Birtwhistle. He earned his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1959 to 1965. Alan married his loving wife, Martha Olmstead, in 1961. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School in 1968 and was a distinguished attorney for decades, holding various positions, including with the IRS in upstate New York, before opening his own prominent law firm, Birtwhistle & Gibson, P.C., in Bridgehampton, NY.

Alan made an impact on many lives through his relentless and charitable nature. A longtime member of the Bridgehampton Lions Club, he held various leadership roles there and was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellow award for dedicated humanitarian service from Lions Clubs International Foundation. Over the years, he also helped establish a little league baseball team, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, served on the local school board, taught Sunday school, participated in the Southampton Town Zoning Board, and volunteered at the Norfolk International Airport, and much more.

Married for 59 years, Alan and Martha raised three daughters and enjoyed traveling the world with family and friends. Spending time with loved ones brought them their greatest joy. He loved involving his family in church events and supporting his communities. He was an active member of several churches throughout his life, including in Bridgehampton, NY; Port Charlotte, FL; Chesapeake, VA; and most recently, Palmyra, VA. Alan leaves behind a legacy of putting faith into action by serving his community and family.

Alan is predeceased by his parents, his wife Martha, and brother James. He is survived by his three daughters and their husbands: Lisa LeFevre and David LeFevre, Christina King and Frank King, and Jennifir Birtwhistle and her significant other, Dale Quackenbush. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Shayne King and Rebecca Hart, Ashley Crouthamel and Jordan Crouthamel, Tyler LeFevre and Samantha Runyon, Abbie LeFevre and Blake Johnson, as well as his faithful little dog, Mandy, always by his side.

The family wishes to thank Alan’s wonderful care team: April Shifflet, RN, from Hospice of The Piedmont; Dr. Tracey L. Krupski and Dr. Anthony J. Crimaldi from UVA Health; and Pastors Chris Long and Aaron Hurd from Lake Christian Church in Palmyra, VA.

A private family memorial will be held. If you would like to honor Alan’s legacy, please consider donating to any Lions Club, Hospice of The Piedmont (Charlottesville, VA), or Lake Christian Church (Palmyra, VA).

If you are reading this, Alan would encourage you to enjoy a good book, to cherish precious moments with your family, serve your community and help a neighbor.

Thacker Brothers Lake Monticello Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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