Lester "Les" Singer, Former Teamsters VP, Passes Away at Age 83

June 4, 2026 June 4, 2026

Editorial Staff

The Facts -

Lester "Les" Singer, former Teamsters VP, died on May 10, 2026.

Singer held various leadership roles in Teamsters from 1963 to 2007.

He raised over $1M for St. Jude; memorials go to the hospital.

Lester "Les" Singer's Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy

The Teamsters community mourns the loss of Lester "Les" Singer, a pivotal figure in union leadership, who passed away on May 10, 2026. Singer's extensive career, marked by dedication and significant contributions, began over six decades ago.

Starting as a driver for Coca-Cola in 1963, Singer quickly rose through the ranks of the Teamsters. From 1978 to 1992, he served as both a business agent and Vice President of Teamsters Local 20 in Toledo, Ohio. His leadership journey continued as he was elected President of Local 20, as well as President of the Ohio Conference of Teamsters and Teamsters Joint Council 44, roles he fulfilled from 1992 to 2003.

In his capacity as President of the Ohio Conference of Teamsters, where he represented 90,000 members, Singer was instrumental in establishing a state strike fund. His tenure as an International Vice President from 1997 to 2007 was marked by efforts to re-establish the International Union’s strike fund and to bolster organizing programs across the nation.

Apart from his professional accomplishments, Singer was a family man, survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He and his wife were ardent supporters of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, contributing over a million dollars to the cause. In respect of his wishes, no services are planned, but memorial contributions can be directed to St. Jude in his name.