RAYMOND — Lester F. Wood, 48, passed away unexpectedly from heart failure on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at his home.

Lester was born in Portland on Feb. 27, 1965, the son of Leonard and Susan Wood. He grew up in Falmouth and Raymond. He was a 1983 graduate of Cheverus High School. He earned his associate degree in Criminal Justice from Southern Maine Technical College.

Upon graduating from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Waterville, he was appointed Cumberland County Deputy Sheriff, where he served for 16 years earning the rank of sergeant. Since leaving the Sheriff’s Department, he has been employed by Bowdoin College as a supervisor for Campus Security.

Lester served his community whole-heartedly including several years on the volunteer fire department and as an Animal Control Officer.

Lester was often thought of as a quiet man that wouldn’t be the first to strike up a conversation with those he didn’t know, but once he opened up, his sense of humor was one of the first things people would take note of. He was known for his strong work ethic and his willingness to help others in their time of need, always putting others ahead of himself.

Lester is survived by his fiancée, Deborah Cole-Hall with whom he resided in Raymond; his mother, Patricia Wood of Saco; two sisters, Pauline Wood and Amanda Wood; two brothers, Leonard Wood II and Lawrence Wood; and seven nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his father, Leonard Wood; and his sister, Paulette Wood.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, May 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hall Funeral Home on Quaker Ridge Road, Casco. A funeral Mass will be at St. Gregory Church, North Raymond Road, Gray, on Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Raymond Fire and Rescue Department.