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Lee Rothenberg Memoriam
08/04/1949 - 08/12/2025
Lee Harris Rothenberg
August 4, 1949 - August 12, 2025
On the evening of August 12, 2025, Lee Harris Rothenberg passed away after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 76 years old. Lee worked as a school psychologist for 30 years in Houston.
Lee was born in Houston, Texas to Lionel and Estelle ("Ecka") Rothenberg in 1949. Lee earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1971. A passionate coffee-drinker inspired by the espresso he encountered during his post-collegiate European travels, Lee opened one of Houston's first coffee bars, The Coffee Mill, in the late 1970s. Lee met his wife Jean in 1986, while studying for his master's degree in psychology at the University of Houston. The two married in 1990, and went on to live a life full of love, books, and travel. An avid Astros fan and life-long lover of science fiction (especially Dune, Star Wars, and Star Trek), in recent years, Lee could often be found at his favorite haunt, Empire Cafe, enjoying coffee and cake with Jean while the two read and did crossword puzzles.
Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Lionel and Estelle "Ecka" Rothenberg (née Levy), his brother Gary Rothenberg, sister-in-law Mary Rothenberg, and stepson Brendan Argo. He is survived by wife Jean Rothenberg (née Arnim), stepdaughter Ashley Argo, grandchildren Keenan Nichols-Argo, David Elias Bloomer, and Gwendolyn Bloomer, sister Gayle Rothenberg, nieces Lindsey Skrobarcek and Dr. Kimberly Skrobarcek, and great nephew and niece James and Amelia DuBois.
A memorial has been scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Empire Cafe, 1732 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas 77098.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lee Rothenberg
1 Entry
Marcella Cabrera
Earlier today
My most sincere condolences for the family of my former boss. He hired me while I was a senior in high school. He took a chance on me to work in his coffee shop on Westheimer way back in the late `70´s. I will always be appreciative of his willingness to teach me about coffee, and trying to build up my confidence in speaking to the public about coffee. RIP Mr. Rothenberg
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