Nathan Lidestri

New London — Nathan Joseph “Nate” Lidestri, born Oct. 12, 1933, in New London, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Nathan was the youngest and seventh child of Italian immigrants, Anna Maria Lidestri and Natale Giuseppe Lidestri from Tusa, Sicily.

Nathan graduated from Chapman Tech in 1951, and worked at Electric Boat until enlisting into the U.S. Air Force in February 1952. Nathan married DeLoris Husted in Enid, Okla., in January 1956. He earned his B.A. from the University of Connecticut in 1960, and went to work for the Internal Revenue Service. After 12 years with the IRS, Nate took a position at the Naval Underwater Systems Center in New London, where he remained until retirement in October 1988, with over 30 years of federal service.

Nathan was a man of faith and he lived his faith. Nate will be remembered for his generous spirit and countless hours of volunteerism for his church, communities, charities and most of all, his family and friends. Nate was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Seaside Council #17 and the Elks Lodge No. 360 in New London. Nate was a past Grand Knight, secretary and treasurer at the Knights of Columbus.

Nate was devoted to his family. Nathan and DeLoris were married for 67 years, during which time they raised five children, put each other through college, took family summer trips throughout the United States, and traveled abroad and on cruises with family and friends. Nathan and DeLoris maintained dual residencies in Connecticut and Florida for nearly 30 years.

Nathan is survived by his wife, DeLoris Husted Lidestri; his elder sister, Angelina Lidestri Murray; and children: son Nathan (Maryann); son Christopher (Sherry); daughter Ann (Keith); son Alan (Candy); and daughter Linda Lidestri-Vassil (Ty); and seven grandchildren: Lauren Lidestri McLellen, Chelsea Ketner, Evan Lidestri, Dennis Ketner, Steven Ty Vassil Jr., Nikolas Vassil and Isabella Lidestri, all who loved their Papa and miss him dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 9, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Nathan will be laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery, both located in New London. Donations in Nathan’s name can be made for Alzheimer’s research at Alzheimer’s Association, 1-800-272-3900 or at alz.org.