Lester J. “Sonny” DeBetta of Sherman, CT passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.
Lester was born in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Anthony (Tony) and Irene DeBetta on June 11, 1943. He later moved to Putnam Lake, NY where he met his loving wife, Charlotte DeBetta and eventually moved to Sherman, CT to raise their family. Besides his wife Charlotte of 61 years, he is survived by his daughters Joanne DeBetta of Goshen, CT, Lisa DeBetta and son-in-law Alfred Watson, Jr. of Dover Plains, NY and Dianne Lobraico and son-in-law Todd Lobraico of Sherman, CT as well as his cherished grandchildren Anthony Fish and his significant other Mallory Noone, Matthew Fish, Alexa Lobraico and Nicholas Lobraico.
A musician and passionate fisherman, Sonny spent much of his life captaining vessels and sharing his love for the water with his family. He found great joy in taking his daughters and grandchildren out fishing and creating memories that will be treasured forever. In 1990, he set the CT state record for the largest bluefin tuna - a remarkable 770 pounds - a record that still stands today. Keep the lines tight and the rods bending, Sonny.
A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.
Donation contributions can be made in Lester's name to Saint Jude Children's Hospital at 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, Tennesse 38105
