The SUNY Oneonta athletics community is mourning the passing of Hall of Fame athlete Donald Jester.  Jester passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sep. 24.
 
"One behalf of the SUNY Oneonta Athletic Department, we send our deepest condolences to the Jester family," said Director of Athletics Ryan Hooper.  "Don was one of the most decorated student athletes during his time at the college, which was topped off with his induction into the Oneonta Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.  He was also one of the biggest supporters of our department and our student athletes.  His presence on campus at various events will be missed.  He was a true Red Dragon."
 
Jester was a native of Oneonta and was a multi-sport star in the early 50's for the Yellowjackets before bringing his prowess up the hill to State.  Jester continued his success as a student athlete competing in soccer, basketball and baseball from 1953-57.  He earned 10 letters as a varsity athlete with his biggest impact being in the sports of basketball and baseball.  Jester eclipsed 1,000 points in basketball and was 15-1 as a pitcher during his career.  After graduation he played 10 years of semi-pro baseball for the Milford Macs where he was an All-League pitcher.  In 2009, Jester was inducted into the Oneonta High School Hall of Fame.

Jester graduated with an education degree and spent 35 years as an elementary, middle school and secondary teacher, guidance counselor and coach.  In 1957-58 he received the "Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award" in the East Islip School District.
 
The family released a statement to express Don's love of SUNY Oneonta.
 
"Dad loved everything about SUNY Oneonta or 'SUCO' as he would sometimes say; Dad would talk about the early days of Old Main and we always knew he was so grateful and honored to see how the college has grown over the years. He would always laugh and smile in reminiscing about his friends and teammates he grew up with at 'SUCO'; he cherished every minute and hour he spent with each of them in recent years. 
 
His induction into the Hall of Fame in 2003 and sharing the day with our family meant everything to him; each time Dad visited the Field House, he would walk over to his plaque, read the inscription and we could always tell how proud he was to be on the wall.
 
Each time Dad visited campus, he was welcomed with 'open arms' and on behalf of the entire Jester family we thank you. The respect and dignity each one of the campus staff, faculty and personnel always showed towards Dad will never be forgotten. He cherished the conversations with all of the athletic department coaches and staff for so many years. Each of you was so kind to spend time talking with him about each of your programs and departments you will never know how much that meant to him, thank you.
 
Lastly, we know Dad would want us to send a special heartful thank you to Tracey, Geoff, Dr. Steve Perry and 'Big Jim' for being his friends. We know each of you and your families gave a little part of your lives to Dad during all of those campus visits, sporting events and hall of fame ceremonies each of you shared with him. He loved every second of each of the moments."
 
Thank you for honoring Dad.  Sincerely, The Jester Family
 
A celebration of life will be held at a later date; in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bruce Jester Scholarship Fund, OHS Alumni Association, PO Box 604, Oneonta, NY 13820.
 
Link to full obituary and service information – 
https://www.pucedofuneralhome.com/obit/2022/9/29/donald-jester