Lee J. Lalli

1929 - 2018

Lee J. Lalli

St. George - On July 26, 2018, Lee John Lalli, 89, our dear husband, father, and friend, tenderly kissed his wife and then slipped through the veil, taking with him his brilliant mind, impeccable character, and Christlike attributes, but leaving a legacy that will be forever cherished.

Lee was born May 21, 1929, in Ogden to Italian immigrants Michael and Rose Pecorelli Lalli. His sole sibling, Carolyn, was born 14 years later. He grew up in Wilson Lane, near Ogden, on a farm with his parents, maternal grandparents, and uncle all residing in the same small home. His paternal grandparents lived nearby.

At an early age, Lee learned the importance of hard work and was required to help supplement his family's income. For entertainment, he enjoyed playing the saxophone and listening to New York Yankees games on the radio.

Lee was student body president at Weber High School and valedictorian of his class. He attended Weber Junior College and the University of Utah, where he excelled in mathematics, speech, and music. Professionally, he was a leader in the life insurance industry and gained both local and national recognition for his achievements.

On June 30, 1950, Lee married Ann Hepworth. To this union, five children were born. They also raised grandson Scott Lalli. Lee later married Jaclyn Thomas Milne in Provo, Utah, on December 21, 1995, and their marriage was solemnized on March 4, 2006, in the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple.

Although raised Catholic, Lee joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 9, 1959, and thereafter served in many leadership and teaching capacities, including youth instructor, bishop, and counselor in a stake presidency. In addition, Lee enjoyed coaching youth and young adult baseball teams, was known on the radio as the "Voice of Viewmont," and helped lead the Bellevue Bruins to win the NAIA baseball national championship.

Lee is survived by his wife, Jaclyn; sister, Carolyn (Ken) Lane; children John (Valarie) Lalli, Jan (Bill) Heriford, Lisa (Gary) Flinders, Mark (Michelle) Lalli, and Matthew (Andra) Lalli; stepson Eli (Megan) Milne; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lee often said: "Good, better, best—never let it rest 'til the good gets better and the better gets best." Thank you, Lee, for giving us your best and helping us to become better. God bless and be with you until we meet again.

Funeral services will be held August 4, 2018, at 2:30 p.m., in the Morningside Stake Center, 881 S. River Rd., St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the same location. Interment will be at the Tonaquint Cemetery in St. George. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit our website www.metcalfmortuary.com.