Henry Paul Lefstein

In loving memory of Hank and Melissa Lefstein, who departed this world just four months apart, April 29, 2024 and December 19, 2023.  Their love story began when they were but teenagers, and lasted a lifetime.

Henry Paul Lefstein was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 22, 1940 to the late Milton and Doris Hoffman Lefstein.  He proudly served in the United States Army National Guard and worked in advertising and other sales.  His passion was bass fishing, and enjoyed his retirement on Lake Gaston, especially teaching his grandchildren how to fish and catching the sunset on the water.

Melissa June Schuelke Lefstein was born in Chicago, IL, on March 4, 1943 to the late Arthur and June Champion Schuelke.  She was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the assistant director for a non-profit group providing housing to those in need.  She inherited her father’s green thumb and enjoyed growing flowers on her deck, delighting in visits from the butterflies and hummingbirds.

They were devoted to each other, sharing memories of boat trips to Belgrade Lakes, Maine taken with close friend Paul Dunscomb, honeymooning at Martha’s Vinyard, and fun times with many others.  While they enjoyed reminiscing, they took pleasure in daily life together, often laughing at relatable “Maxine” comic panels and the antics of their beloved dogs and grand-dogs.  They loved seeing deer in the backyard and birds at the feeder.  They adored their grandchildren, and were delighted with their great-granddaughters.  They loved nothing better than quiet days spent with family.

They are survived by their son, Joseph Lefstein, of Lynnwood, Washington, and their daughter, Julie Drohan and son-in-law, Thomas Drohan, of Bracey; three grandchildren, Alyssa Drohan, of Fayetteville, NC, Kailyn Drohan, of Olympia, Washington, and Zachary Drohan and his wife, Hannah, of Jacksonville, NC, as well as two great-granddaughters, Elliana and Alexandria Drohan, also of Jacksonville, NC.   Melissa is also survived by her sister, Barbara Sheedy of New York, and Hank by his sister, Marion (Jaya) Hoesch, of New Hampshire.  He was predeceased by his sister, Eleanor Prince of Monsey, NY.