Victor Sestokas

Victor G. Sestokas, Sr. died on April 6, 2016, at MacKenzie Place, Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the age of 93. Known as Vic by his friends, he was born December 15, 1922, in Pittston, Pennsylvania. After graduating from high school, he joined the US Army in 1940 and became an explosive ordnance demolition (EOD) expert. In six months, he was a Master Sergeant and by the time we went to war, he was a Sergeant Major. Vic met his wife Doris Smith at a USO dance in Westbury, NY and they were married on August 16, 1942. He was reassigned to Fort Eustis (Newport News, VA) for gunnery training and because of his skills, Vic was picked to instruct. His next assignment was to North Africa; he was heading to war leaving behind his new wife. Due to Vic’s involvement in the Invasion of North Africa, he was awarded a Combat Infantry Badge. Also, while in the hospital he awoke to find a Purple Heart on his pillow delivered by General Patton! Vic was commissioned by General Eisenhower and later promoted to First Lieutenant. Vic participated in the invasions of Sicily and Italy where he was wounded again and received a second Purple Heart. After recovering from his wounds, Vic decided he’d like to become a pilot, but due to his prior injuries he was offered and became a navigator in the Army Air Corpwhich, in 1947, became the United States Air Force. Vic was also trained as a radar observer, and subsequently assigned to the F-94 aircraft. Vic served in Thailand and later in Vietnam where he received the Bronze Star. His final assignment was to the Inspector General’s staff for Air Defense Command, later NORAD (North American Air Defense Command). He retired in October, 1971 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Vic’s Masonic career began on October 10, 1962. He was Worshipful Master of Centurion Lodge 195 in 1992 and secretary in 2004, an office held for 14 years. In 1998, Vic was selected as Colorado Mason of the year. Vic was also a Sojourner. He organized a chapter in Colorado Springs, was a past-president and commanded the Heroes of 76. He is also a member of the York Rite and the Shrine. Vic was made a 33° Scottish Rite Mason, previously having become Knight Commander Court of Honour. Vic was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Doris S. Sestokas, and is survived by his 5 children Janet Kuhnle, Vic Sestokas, Jr., Nancy Grooms, Linda Shinder, and Dee Hironimus. Doris and Victor were also fortunate to have 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his companion Virginia Cassidy whom he met when he moved into MacKenzie Place following Doris’ passing. A special thanks goes out to all those who were caregivers in the last years of Vic’s life, including his children who lived in Colorado Springs, all the Right at Home caregivers, the MacKenzie Place caregivers, the New Century Hospice staff, and the medical staff who played a part in keeping Vic going. And thank you Ginny, for putting a smile back on his face.