Search by Name

Search by Name

Lee Harris Rothenberg

1949 - 2025

UPCOMING SERVICE

Memorial Service

Oct. 25, 2025

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Empire Cafe

Send Flowers

Lee Rothenberg Obituary

Lee Harris Rothenberg
08/04/1949 - 10/17/2025
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.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Oct. 17, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Lee Rothenberg

Oct

25

Memorial service

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Empire Cafe

1732 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX

Memories and Condolences
for Lee Rothenberg

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Lee Rothenberg's name

How to support Lee's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Lee Rothenberg's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more