Lee Roy Mealy

Lee Roy Mealy
8/16/1932 - 5/26/2011

Lee passed away May 26, 2011 at the age of 78. He was born on August 16, 1932 in Inglewood, California to Roy and Marie Mealy. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1950 and one year later, enlisted in the army where he became a paratrooper with

the 82nd Airborne Division.

In 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine Mautino. After his discharge from the army, he returned to California where he attended the University of California at Berkley, and received his BA in Criminology. It was while living at "Cal's" University Village- a housing complex for G.I. Bill students, that their first son, Christopher was born. Upon graduation, Lee accepted a position with the U.S. Treasury Department, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division and the three mealys moved to the Seattle area. However, less than a year later, in 1959, he was offered the opportunity to join Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Being a born-n-bred California boy, he readily accepted. Their second son, Mathew was born shortly after.

For the next 30 years Lee worked many assignments within the department; Custody, Patrol, Academy, S.E.D. and Detectives. At one time, he also served as the Commander of Post 309, American Legion, and from 1986-1990, he was the president of the Los Angeles Professional Peace Officers Association. He obtained his Masters Degree in Communications from Pepperdine University.

Their cabin in Lake Gregory was the scene of many family gatherings, especially during summers and at Christmas. Though Lee enjoyed occasional fishing trips, hot dogs and hamburgers were actually his favorite hobbies. In more recent years, he and his son were known to have travelled close to 600 miles for In-n-Out burgers.

Lee retired as a Lieutenant in 1990 and he and Lorraine moved to Washington, first to Sequim and then to Lacey. With their 42 ft RV, they enjoyed taking many month long trips through the county and Canada, as well. They also took a special trip in September, 2002 and spent 3 weeks in Italy to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Lee was quick to help and volunteer his services whenever and wherever needed. He will be remembered for his quiet strength and most especially, for his unique sense of humor. He was greatly respected by his friends and co-workers and will be deeply missed by his wife and family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lorraine; his sons and their wives Christopher and Debbie, Mathew and Billie, as well as his 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral Mass will be held at 9 am on Friday, June 3, 2011, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 812 Bowker St., Lacey 98509. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Providence St. Peter Foundation-Hospice Care.

Funeral arrangements are by Funeral Alternatives of Washington, Lacey. To leave remembrances please go to www.funeralalternatives.org.