ToquiNotes: Remembering a Good Man – Les Filicsky
By Jeff Toquinto on November 15, 2025
I am not certain when, or even how, I met Lester "Les" Filicsky. I would imagine, based on his background, during my time in the print journalism business covering the City of Bridgeport in the early 2000’s.
Lester was one of those guys that showed up about everywhere. Always seeming to help. Always seeming to smile. Always being kind. And always with a patented buzz cut haircut.
He was one of those guys who helped make Bridgeport a special community. Not in the way that may draw headlines, but in a way that those who were close to community knew very well that Lester Filicsky was making a difference.
I am bringing up my friend because, as many of you know, Lester passed away a little more than two weeks ago – on Oct. 31 to be exact. Lester was living in Missouri at the time of his passing and was 90 years old.
My confidence level is high in saying it was a beautiful 90 years. And even though it did not end in Bridgeport, the fabric of a large part of his life’s work is woven into the tapestry that is the city he loved.
If you need proof, know that Filicsky was selected as a Benedum Fellow back in 2013. Although the annual awards ceremony recognizing the city’s pillars no longer takes place, those who are on that list are part of a Hall of Fame for the city’s past and present well-being.
Primarily, Lester was involved. Perhaps it was part of his upbringing, or perhaps it was drilled into him as a former member of the Armed Services, but he was involved, and stayed involved.
Some of that included work with the Harrison County Senior Citizens, including his service as president of the Bridgeport Senior Citizens satellite and representation on the West Virginia Silver Haired Legislature. He has also served on the Bridgeport Planning Commission, been a member of Bridgeport Kiwanis and Sierra Club and been active with Immaculate Conception Church, 
including social committee, finance committee and Parish council, Eucharistic Minister, usher, and more at the Clarksburg church.
including social committee, finance committee and Parish council, Eucharistic Minister, usher, and more at the Clarksburg church.
You could also find him showing up at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and Bridgeport’s Light Up Night. And that flashing light that allows folks to safely cross Main Street between the Benedum Civic Center and the city parking lot across the way? Lester advocated for that, primarily for seniors, but for the safety of all needing to cross the often-busy roadway.
That is what I always liked most about him. Sure, he had a kind and gentle nature and was easy to talk to. But, if he had an issue he did not hesitate to bring it to the attention of those needing to know about it. The cool part is that he got his point across without being nasty. As most of us know, that is a lost art.
Julie Perine did a wonderful piece on Lester when he was named Benedum Fellow. He talked about coming to West Virginia in 1959. He
talked about building his home in 1965 on Ritter Street and setting up roots.
talked about building his home in 1965 on Ritter Street and setting up roots.
Most important to Lester, however, was the love of his life – his wife, the late Betty Sue Carder Filicsky. Six months after the couple met, they were married, on July 3, 1963, at New Bethel United Methodist Church in Good Hope. They were together for nearly 55 years before she preceded him in death.
And during those 50-plus years, they called resided in two houses on Ritter Street. They made their house, like they did Bridgeport, their home.
Lester, with his wife by his side, also made the entire community home, and a better one for himself and others. He did so in a manner of doing 
small deeds, often unnoticed, that when combined was massive in scale.
small deeds, often unnoticed, that when combined was massive in scale.
For those who did not know him, you missed knowing a decent person from the inside out. I write this because for those who did not know him, understand the place you call home is better because Lester Filicsky was in it.
Lester was the best thing he could be. He was a good man.
Rest in peace. Your work here is done.
Editor's Note: Top three photos are from the 2013 Benedum Fellows Awards Banquet at the Bridgeport Conference Center, including one with former Mayor Joe Timms presenting Lester Filicsky with his plaque. Bottom photo shows him with his wife Betty Sue.
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