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Richard Lee Obituary
Richard Yun Choon and Karen Lee had just started a new life as first-time suburban parents. Their son, Zachary, was approaching his second birthday, and they had moved to their dream house in Great Neck, N.Y., in July. From there, Mrs. Lee would e- mail a steady stream of digital photos of Zachary's days to Mr. Lee at his offices at Cantor Fitzgerald, on the 104th floor of 1 World Trade. "Even though he was so big and intimidating, he was just so cute and loving," said Lynne Engelke, Mrs. Lee's sister. "He worked such long hours, but when he had to leave on a trip he would make a pan of lasagna for Karen, because he was afraid she wouldn't eat while he was away."
Mr. Lee, who was 34, played football at Yale, where he met his future wife, and he was head of equities technology for Cantor Fitzgerald. He kept London hours — up at 3 a.m., but home by 5 p.m., in time to put in some work building shelves and toy boxes for Zachary's new playroom.
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Hanna
April 8, 2025
Rich,
You will live on forever. You have touched so many lives and left an incredible legacy.
We will always remember you. May you rest in peace.
Unknown
September 11, 2024
RIP
Tim Rothwell
September 11, 2023
Rich's team in London will never forget him
Karen Lee
September 11, 2021
My dearest Rich,
I love you always and miss you with all my heart.
Until we are together again,
Karen
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Edward Seborowski
September 10, 2021
Twenty years have gone by and the pain of that horrible day has not gone away. I worked with Rich on the 103rd floor of Tower 1. Rich was the manager of our work group. He was an amazing leader. It was very apparent at any meeting he sat in on. When he spoke on the current issue, he held the attention of every attendee. You just knew with Rich on it, the issue would be resolved quickly.
Today is the twentieth anniversary of that horrible day that took him away. Rest in peace my friend.
September 30, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss. May his soul rest in peace forever.
Santhosh K N
September 29, 2019
I dont know Richard personnally. Came to know about him through a youtube video. Our heartfelt condolences
From Cochin, kerala, India
Harsha Kudtalkar
September 23, 2019
You will never be forgotten, Richard.
Rest in Peace
September 22, 2019
RIP
September 15, 2019
RIP
danny brittson
September 13, 2019
We will never forget you, Richard
Rest In Peace, Richard Yun Choon Lee.
-Danny Brittson
Tina
September 12, 2019
RIP
Joshua Bairam
September 12, 2019
Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten.
September 11, 2019
rest in peace.
S. B.
September 11, 2019
18 years from that day. We will never forget you and the brave people we lost that day.
Monika
September 11, 2016
I did not know Rich personally but walk by the plaque posted on his apartment building, which is near my workplace. Each and every time I see his plaque, I take a moment and send my thoughts to him and his loved ones. I love the stories about him -- thanks for sharing. We will never forget. xo
Craig Lareau
September 12, 2014
I remember Rich as a truly amazing person from our days together in college - a hulking and brilliant person who had tremendous compassion. I was heartbroken when I learned he had passed, and every year I am again heartbroken. That he lived so large and full of life only makes his loss more profound. I pray his son grows to be the man his father was.
Terry Dugan
September 11, 2014
Rich, all these years later, and you're still teaching me. I know that wherever you are, the music is great and the waves are rad. Mahalo, buddy, I'll see you again someday.
Karen Lee
July 5, 2014
My dearest Rich--Happy birthday in heaven. I love you and miss you with all my heart
Forever yours,
Karen
S J. Friscia III
May 4, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
September 11, 2011
I remember ....
Frank p
London
Edward Seborowski
September 11, 2011
When I applied for an open position at eSpeed in July 2000 I was quite surprised to hear from the human resources representative that the manager who had the job opening would be contacting me by email about the position. I was even more surprised when I received the email. It was from Rich and in it he explained the job requirements. More importantly, the email also contained an actual working situation, business problem, and asked for detailed information on how I, the prospective position candidate, would solve the problem.
That was Rich Lee! He was the most progressive business manager I have ever had the pleasure of working for. It was simply a great honor to work in his organization. One other thing comes to mind. When I went in to meet with him personally for the job interview, I was immediately struck by the sheer number of photos of his family he had displayed. We talked for a long time about our families and after I got the position these discussions continued whenever we got together.
Today is the tenth anniversary of that horrible day that took him away. Rest in peace my friend.
Doug Abraham
July 5, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Doug Abraham
July 5, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Lynnell Akamu
September 6, 2007
Aloha to Karen and the Lee `Ohana (family) from Honolulu, Hawaii.
I wanted to let you know that on 9/5/07@9am HST we held our Annual Patriot Day Commemoration program as we specifically remembered those individuals who have a connection to the State of Hawaii, and are therefore considered our `ohana.
If you would like to have a copy of the written program that we had for the audience at the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center in Honolulu, please send me you e-mail address and I will send you the pdf document.
We continue to hold you all in our prayers.
Malama pono (take care),
Lynnell Ka`opua Akamu, MSW, LSW
Social Worker
Doug Abraham
July 5, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
December 5, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 10, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Karin Heusted (Warack '87)
September 29, 2005
Time heals all wounds, but the pains of 9/11 continue to ache in my heart. I knew of Rich at Punahou. A remember him always smiling.
May his smile forever be in your hearts.
Know that you are in many thoughts a prayers. Some of us will never forget 9/11.
God bless you and yours.
Aloha
Joseph Sciddurlo
February 23, 2005
I had the priviledge of having worked with Rich at Smith Barney for two years.
I was in awe of Rich's work ethic and competence in his field.
However, what I remember most about Rich was his graceful spirit. He always treated you with respect and readily shared his knowledge.
I know he is with God in Paradise now.
Joe.
Lillian L
September 11, 2003
I had the opportunity of meeting Richard for an interview I had with Espeed in May of 2000. Richard was very nice to me and offered me a ride home since he was living uptown at the time. He spoke of his wife and his son and I remembered seeing all the beautiful pictures of them in his office. I also remember him telling me that he liked getting to work by 6am since he liked to have an early start. On Sept. 11, I was so upset when I heard the tragedy with Cantor Fitzgerald. I had wanted to contact his family to offer my condolences but couldn't find any contact information. On this anniversary of Sept. 11, I am glad that I can offer my memory of him.
Thanks,
Lillian
Kim Baumgart
March 31, 2003
Karen and Zachary,
I know that I have personally been blessed by meeting you and your beautiful little boy. I believe that we did not meet by accident, but that the Lord brought us together. Please know that you and Zachary are in the prayers of not only myself, but my family and our church. We pray for God's wisdom and guidance as you raise this beautiful legacy that Rich entrusted you to care for. We pray for peace and comfort for you as you must move forward to care for Zach. We mourn the loss of your beloved Rich with you. Please don't forget that you are not alone. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything you need, please let us know.
Chris Kimpton
September 16, 2002
Hello,
Karen has organised a website in memory of Rich:
http://www.richleememorial.com
Regards,
Chris
London, UK.
Jill Bellack
September 15, 2002
Hello, I never actually knew Richard, but I wore his name on Sept. 11, 2002 in his honor! My prayers and love to his family!
Christina Waller
September 14, 2002
Hi Karen and Zachary...
I don't know Rich personally, but right now I am a senior at Punahou School. Last year when this tragic incident happened, it was heart breaking to have some what of a personal connection with the people in NY. Rich and Heather were honored here at school and all of us (the student, faculty, and staff) will never forget what a wonderful man Rich was. We are all very proud of him, and we are all here with you in spirit. Just know that you were lucky to have Rich and he will never be forgotten in the Punahou community! Much love and aloha...Christina Waller c/o 2003
Chris Dyas
September 13, 2002
Dear Karen,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I met Rich for the first time when I started playing football for Punahou. I am a few years younger than Rich and my first impression of him was how big he was. I quickly learned that the biggest thing about Rich was his heart. I will always remember him and wish you and your family Aloha.
Chris Dyas ('89)
Ramesh Abhiraman
September 12, 2002
Karen,
My wife Shanhui and I have known first hand at Yale, of the giant gentleness, the ungrudging helpful spirit, the musical talent, the defensive lineback in Rich. As a programmer in the area of equity derivatives myself, I learnt further from reading tributes from fellow Wall-Streeters that, as a technology head, he had a great grasp of the most exotic options. The tribute of Lynne Engelke penned shortly after all your worlds were in turmoil, together with the picture of a contented father with his baby boy is as we would like to remember Rich.
To you, and to Zach, to your family, and to the family of Rich which has lost their son, may these small remembrances help to subtract from your grief, but add to your resolve to look to the future.
Ramesh Abhiraman
Raymond Juncewicz
September 12, 2002
To the family of Rich Lee,
I never actually physically met Rich, but he and I shared a daily conference call for 3 months during the BT/NatWest merger in 1998. He was in London. I was in Paris. We were usually the only ones on the phone for the first 10 minutes always waiting for the others. You learn a lot about someone you talk to for even 10 minutes a day. He was one of the most "human" people I've "met" in this business. When I read his name last night I was hoping it was another Rich Lee, but having read the tributes, I knew it wasn't. I'm so sorry. I can't begin to imagine your loss.
My deepest sympathies,
Ray
Blaine Saito
September 12, 2002
To the Family of Richard Lee,
Words cannot express the grief. All I can do is stand with you and send my Aloha on this day after the anniversary.
Sean
September 11, 2002
My heart-felt condolences. I had the pleasure of playing soccer with Rich at Punahou-Rich was truly a class act (and a great player). Please accept my deepest sympathies and wishes for solace and peace. God bless.
Aloha-Sean ('88)
Virginia Olson
August 30, 2002
There are no words to describe the waste, the loss and the longing for a day before 9/11/01.
He touched more people than you know and he will be deeply missed.
Victor Kflu
August 18, 2002
Dear Karen:
I had the privilege of working with Rich during the Summer and Fall of 1999. Rich was a brilliant man and a good-natured person. It always amazed me how he could manage six or seven different systems projects at the same time. I remember how excited Rich was when Zachary was born. I am sure Zach will grow up to be the the terrific person his father was.
Regards,
Victor Kflu
Fredonia, NY
Seth Hertz
August 17, 2002
Karen
It's almost been a year since that terrible day and I still always check to see what is written about Rich and you when I come across coverage of the victims of 9/11. Living in Australia removes one somewhat from the full impact of what has happened to my home city but knowing you and knowing of Rich because of you has made the tragedy ever so much more real. I hope (based on the tributes written in this space) that Zach not only embodies the qualities Rich possessed but can also appreciate his daddy even more someday when he is older. Knowing you, Zach is in excellent hands.
Take care,
Seth
July 5, 2002
Happy Birthday in heaven, Rich. We miss you.
Grandma Kim and our two kids at Christmas '01 (they're hapa)
Earl Kim
June 1, 2002
Dear Karen and Zachary,
I'm a long lost cousin who doesn't keep up with family events. I didn't know that Richard attended Yale, worked in NYC, married, had a child or passed away until I chanced on the guestbook. My distance from family affairs only serves to magnify the sadness that I feel...I left Hawaii in 1980 when Richie must have been around 8 or 9, and I have not seen him since. The "hulking, loving teddy bear" described in other notes reminds me of a description of his other cousin, Dewey, Jr. Richard was a wonderful young man, and I am glad to see that he turned out like the rest of his cousins and uncles--first and foremost a loving family man.
Please accept our sincerest sympathies and do not hesitate to call on us for anything! If you find a moment to email or call, please do so. Kathryn, Lauren (9), David (4) and I would love to meet you.
I wish that we (Richie and I) had had a chance to meet before 9-11. We probably had a lot in common (and a couple of old school rivalries). Years and miles may separate us but as I learned at a family reunion in 2000, family is family...o'hana.
I hope that you see this note of condolence and do not hesitate to call or write.
Love and aloha,
Earl Kim
[email protected]
114 Wootton Rd
Essex Fells, NJ 07021
(973) 403-1404
Marco Spiridigliozzi
May 26, 2002
Karin
find the words after i readed your story is impossible. Richard, I'm sure, will follow you and your little son FOREVER. I love you, and I love all of you. Still now, i can't believe what i'm reading and what i'm looking. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL AMERICA (Sorry for my english!)
ALL ITALY LOVES YOU
Lillian Gonzalez
April 7, 2002
My prayers go out to you and your son. It is so hard for me to understand why this had to happen. Just looking at Richard with his son brought tears to my eyes. My prayers always to yall. I did not know him, but what had happen to him and the others are felt in my heart. Everyday I log in and go through all the pictures and their tributes and it breaks my heart. I was born and raise in NY and just moved here so it felt and feel like part of my family was taken away from me. God Bless.
Joseph Sciddurlo
April 7, 2002
Dear Karen:
I had the priviledge of working with Rich for a few years at Smith Barney.
What impressed me most about Rich, is that even though he a was a programmer, he understood exotic options better than most traders and typed faster than most secretaries.
I am very sorry for your loss.
But Rich is in a better place comforted by God and his angels.
Roger Pachebat
March 11, 2002
Karen,
I think I met you briefly in Rich's brother's Pluck "U" store one day. Rich was the main reason I joined Smith Barney a few years ago and his leaving there was also the reason for my leaving there shortly after. I think that shows something of the respect I had for him.
He was a great person to work for and he also became a friend. I will miss him dearly.
Sincerely,
Roger
Anonymous
February 20, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN RICHARD YUN CHOON LEE AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01.MAY GOD GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Paul J. Jaskot (Y '90)
January 14, 2002
Karen,
I was so sorry to hear about Rich's passing on September 11th. As your classmate at Yale, I recall that my path crossed with yours and Rich's in several ways, from Old Campus to the language lab, to the sidelines of the Yale bowl where Rich played and I dressed up as the bulldog for the football games. He was just a "good guy"--he was always friendly, fun-loving and well-liked by his friends and teammates.
As a husband and father, I can only imagine the grief and pain you and your family have suffered since 9/11. My family and I extend our deepest sympathies to you, your son and your entire family. We'll continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers, and hope that, in this time of terrible tragedy and grief, you are comforted by your memories of Rich, as well those of his classmates, teammates, friends and others who knew what a friendly, caring and intelligent man he was.
Teresa Jahn
December 25, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Richard. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Joe Abboud
November 27, 2001
Karen
I got to know Rich a little while we both worked at Natwest and then Bankers Trust in London.
I was very impressed by Rich's intelligence, good nature and hard work. He stood out as an exceptionnally capable and decent human being.
I am saddenned by these tragic events and will always have fond memories of Rich.
Joe
Eric Lundstedt
November 14, 2001
Karen,
I was at Yale a year behind you and Rich in Berkeley and remember many wonderful things about him.
There was Rich the entrepreneur of Bagels in Berkeley -- the athlete with remarkable size and speed -- the geek endlessly playing that surgery game on his computer -- the musician who rocked the frat houses on Lake Place singing "Train in Vain" with Skunkhead -- and the man who introduced me to bands like The Bears and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
I hope that you and Zachary will find some solace in the fact I am one of hundreds of people who knew Rich and came away a "rcher" person for it.
We were all blessed to know him and will miss him.
Scott Craven
November 5, 2001
Dear Karen,
As a former teammate and classmate of Rich's, I remember him as so many have; a kind, funny, talented man who was always willing to help someone who needed it. I was one of those people once. I'm proud to have known him and will miss him.
Scott Craven ('91)
Michael Kahan
October 25, 2001
Dear Karen,
I was so sorry to hear that Rich was among the victims of the September 11th attack. In college I was sustained through many long nights of study by Bagel Bar bagels, which Rich always prepared with good humor (and extra cream cheese).
Rich and I were once paired as a two-person volleyball team for a Berkeley college tournament. Although with his size and agility he was by far the better player, he was the quintessential team player. He could easily have dominated the game with little help from me, but he went out of his way to give me opportunities to contribute to the team, and he was always extremely gracious to me and our opponents, whether we won or lost. I gather from some of the other guest book entries that he showed the same qualities of thoughtfulness, graciousness, and sportsmanship in all aspects of his life.
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.
Michael Kahan (BK'90)
David Russell
October 25, 2001
Karen,
My condolences on your very tragic loss.
I played football at Yale with your husband and like so many of our teammates and classmates, I feel honored to have known him and considered him a friend. Rich was always quick with a joke, a talented musician or a helpful hand with the many classes we shared. Giving tirelessly to others came as second nature to Rich. I still tell the story of the brief period where Rich spelled his name "Rch" because "since there is no I in team, there is no I in Rch". I still get a chuckle and a smile when thinking of this memory.
Rich will always have a place in my heart. Many folks do not know this, but he actually gave me my first job after graduating from Yale. While I only worked with him for a short time at Zai*Net, his spirit and hardworking nature inspired and uplifted everyone in the office. He has long inspired me to attempt to work as hard as he did.
Please know that he will be in our thoughts and prayers. We also hope that you and Zachary will get through this trying time. Zach bears a great resemblence to his father in the posted picture. I hope he grows to become a man just like his father.
David Russell
Betsy Ames
October 23, 2001
Dear Karen -
I was terribly sorry to hear about Rich. I have many fond memories of hanging out at the Bagel Bar, especially my freshman year, eating Funke bagels and watching Star Trek at midnight. I remember Rich saying that he had removed the "I" from his name after his high school coach told him there was no "I" in team, to which he responded that there was therefore none in "Rch" either. I saw the wonderful picture your sister posted of Rich and Zach - what fun they seemed to be having when that was taken. Zach is a beautiful boy - may he bring laughter and joy to you as you move forward. My best wishes go out to both of you. -- Betsy Ames, BK '91
George Eckhardt
October 17, 2001
Dear Mrs. Lee,
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I met Rich several years ago when we both worked at Smith Barney. Although my only contact with him was at the office, I think I knew him fairly well. There were many things about Rich that impressed me, his intelligence, his work ethic, his humor. But what impressed me most about him was his kindness, it was obvious to me from seeing his daily interactions with people that he was a very kind-hearted man, a very good man.
I've told several of my colleagues that Rich was a very rare sort of individual, I felt I was a better person just for knowing him. I'm sure you knew that about him, be assured that others felt it too.
I am very sorry for your loss, those of us who knew Rich understand what a great loss it is.
Sincerely,
George Eckhardt
Jim Griffin
October 8, 2001
Dear Karen:
I'm so sorry that Rich was lost.
Rich and I played football together at Yale. We lined up across from each other on most days during practice. Rich on defense and me on offense.
I never thought I'd miss the drudgery of football practice. I miss Rich however, and so I miss all those things that brought us together.
Although I work near the Pentagon and have many friends who worked in and near the World Trade Center, Rich is the only person that I know who was lost on 11 September. All my grief, anger and fear are embodied in him.
I realize my pain pales in comparison to yours. In time however, I hope that you and Zach can come to know that the love Rich gave you was not lost on 11 September, but only strengthened by his sacrifice.
Again. I'm sorry for your loss. For our loss.
Griff
Rich and Zachary at work
Lynne Engelke
September 29, 2001
Rich was an exceptional human being. He was dedicated to doing the best possible job, but never lost sight of the people behind the work. He strove to be the kind of manager everyone dreams of—inspiring, funny, enthusiastic, compassionate and generous—able to turn long hours and a stressful workplace into an enjoyable experience, and considered it his responsibility to enhance the career growth and development of everyone on his staff, from clerks and secretaries whom he helped train to move to more challenging positions, to programmers and systems engineers. He was intelligent, widely read in philosophy, history, science and technology, but loved movies and music and pop culture. He was a musician and composer, and had a glorious voice which he most recently used in singing bed-time lullabies to his 22 month old son, and in reading him Harry Potter books aloud (with appropriate English accents and Scottish brogues), was a superb athlete—at 6’4” and 245 lbs, an ex high school football star and Yale (’91) defensive lineman. Most of all, he loved and cherished his family. He and his wife had just moved into a new house, and Rich was enthusiastically building wooden toy chests and book cases for their son's playroom. He had even cut back his legendarily long hours a bit, arriving at his office at around 5:30 (after having risen at 3am and checking in with the London office) and coming home by 5 or 5:30 to be able to spend more time with his family. Even when he was away during his long hours at work, he would e-mail and phone 6 or more times a day, and send funny little electronic greeting cards home. The walls of his office were papered with hundreds of photos of Zachary, which Rich would caption with his unique brand of humor, and he lovingly created CD’s containing photos and home movies documenting his son’s growth, which he would proudly send to all his friends and colleagues. He will be sorely missed by everyone who ever had the honor to know him and especially those of us who loved him dearly.
Vera
September 27, 2001
I went to Punahou with Rich...and while I can't say we were close friends, I remember him as a very warm, bighearted guy. My deepest sympathies and prayers to his family.
Barbara Bolin
September 24, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
RICHARD MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Ernie Latimer
September 22, 2001
I know beyound a shadow of a doubt, God is always there, even in the mist of the storm.
May God comfort you in this time of sorrow and grief, Celebrate the life of your loved one.
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