Lester Andre “Dre” Hardy passed away peacefully at home on February 23, 2026, due to natural causes. He was born on April 21, 1958, in Alabama to the late Monica Hardy and Waymon Jeffery.

Lester later made Youngstown, Ohio his home, where he attended North High School and graduated with the Class of 1977. He continued his education at Imperial Valley College in California. Lester spent many years working in several steel mills and factories before retiring. After retirement, he remained active in the community and worked part time at New Bethel Baptist Church.

Lester enjoyed life and valued time spent with those he loved. He had a passion for sports and enjoyed traveling, especially going on cruises with his family. He also cherished visiting his nieces and nephews and being involved in the lives of his grandchildren, who brought him great joy.

In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by his brother, Byron Hardy; his grandmother, Alfreda Williams; his granddaughter, Jashai Benson; and his nephew, Jue’noah Hardy.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, ReAnna Hardy, Ariel Hardy, Desire Hardy, and Milena Hardy; his brother, Dexter (Kim) Hardy; his sisters, Tracey (EB) Leflore and Freda Hardy; his aunt, Shelia Williams; and his sons in law, James Mitchell and Paul Graves.

He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Michael, James, Genesis, Israel, Jamese, Isaiah, Adyn, Gavyn, Zavier, Lia, Eva, Angela, and Korey; his nieces Danielle, Monica, Jasmine, Shacori, and Monica; his nephews Phillip, Michael, and William Hardy; along with a host of great grandchildren, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44507. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 noon.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gregory-Martin Funeral Home, proudly serving families in Steubenville and Youngstown, Ohio. For additional information, please call (330) 743-4098.