1965 - 2020
1965 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
David Kwang-Ming Lee was born December 9, 1965 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to the late Han Chong Lee and Yun Ching Chang Lee. He passed away at the RWJUH in New Brunswick on the afternoon of May 22, 2020.
David graduated as the valedictorian from New Hyde Memorial Park High School in New Hyde Park, NY in 1983. In 1989, he earned a degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University, where he met his future wife Larissa (Dudash) Lee. After living in Brooklyn, NY for several years, David and Larissa moved to Rahway in 2000.
David distinguished himself through a career in hospitality. He worked in housekeeping, at the front desk, and in conference planning for several New York City hotels, including The Plaza and The Roosevelt. He was the conference service manager for The Crowne Plaza in Princeton.
In addition to professional event planning, It was David’s great joy to host numerous gatherings to celebrate holidays and celebrations for family and friends. He loved to share his culinary skills with others, and he always enjoyed serving guests in his home.
He was an active member of St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church in Rahway, where he served as the church board president for 10 years. He served on the board of trustees of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese. He was also a member of the Cornell Society of Hotelmen.
David is survived by his wife, mother, and five children: Kyra (Busser) of Brooklyn, NY and Aleksei, Anna, Vladimir and Dmitri at home. He also is survived by a sister Ellen Shanley of West Hempstead, NY and a brother Jack Lee of New York, New York and nieces and nephews. Kyra and her husband Zachary are expecting David's first grandchild in August.
Karen Traina
June 4, 2020
Im so deeply saddened to learn about the passing of my old colleague, David. He was an extremely hard-working, caring, and a compassionate person. He always was the first to offer his assistance with anything that was needed. I am very happy that I had the opportunity to work with him, get to know him, and have him as a friend. My deepest condolences to the entire family. Rest in peace David! You will be missed, my friend!!!
Malin Haugwitz
May 28, 2020
Dear Larissa and Family,
Elmar and I are deeply saddened by the passing of David. We treasure more than ever the memories of our out time together, like that baseball game which was the first one Elmar ever saw! Sending much love and sympathy - Malin
Jonathon & Lucero Gonzalaz
May 27, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Andy & Maribeth Romanofsky
May 27, 2020
Dear Larissa & family, we are deeply saddened by David's passing. He was an unforgettable part of every family gathering, always the gracious host. We will miss him dearly! You will continue to be in our prayers.
May his memory be eternal!
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Ken Walsh
May 26, 2020
Larissa, Kyra, Aleksei, Anna, Vladimir, and Dmitri,
We are all so very sad for Davids passing, but he is where we all hope to be, one day. David was a devoted servant of the Lord, and he is, indeed, receiving his just reward in Heaven.
If there was anyone, in this life, that I have known, who is deserving of that Heavenly Grace, it was David Lee. He was always caring and sincere. He was extremely dedicated to his family, to his Church, and to Jesus Christ. He was a uniquely kind and caring soul. His calm demeanor, and his welcoming and comforting smile, was so soothing. I always looked forward to his greetings! David was ever the gracious host, so genuinely happy to see you, and to give you a BIG HUG! Ive never seen David get upset or raise his voice (except, maybe, when Tony Romo throw an interception). He was a shining example of how we should all live our lives, with humility, and with compassion and dignity. David was a steady and gentle guiding beacon for all of us to follow. Thats how I remember my dear friend! The world is a far better place, because of you, and your legacy will live-on in your wonderful family.
David was truly thankful for everything in his life, especially his beautiful family! He was so proud of all of you! Kyra, Aleksei, Anna, Vladimir, and Dmitri, and of course his loving wife, Larissa. You are ALL part of what made David so special. For all of your many accomplishments, and for the wonderful young people that you grew to be, David could not have been more proud! I could see it in his eyes, every time we asked about the family, and how everyone was doing. You were EVERYTHING to him!
When I close my eyes and I can hear him, very clearly, saying a prayer of thanksgiving at Pascha, standing there, so humble and gracious, with pure joy in his eyes, Thank you Lord, for the food and drink of Thy servants. . . Lord have Mercy, Lord have Mercy, Lord have Mercy. Father Bless, uttered with the deepest feeling and sincerity. May his Memory be Eternal. God bless and keep you all.
With sympathy and love,
Ken and Irene Walsh
Irene & Ken Walsh
May 26, 2020
Larissa and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We will miss David and his enthusiasm so much. We have such great memories of him at all the family gatherings, the wonderful tour of the Plaza for Melanies 16th birthday, and recently visiting him at his work, during our trips to NJ. My fondest memory of David is of him leading us all in prayer, before we ate. I can still hear him. Memory Eternal.
Paul Hanas
May 26, 2020
Larissa and Family - We are saddened and sorry to hear of you loss! May God gran you strength and peace during this difficult time. Our Prayers go out to You and your Family - Memory Eternal - Christ is Risen!
Suzanne and Paul Hanas
Fr. Herman & Kh. Vera Acker
May 26, 2020
Dear John, Doris, Larissa and Family,
We are so saddened by your loss! May God grant you strength and peace, and to David rest among the saints. Christ is risen and we live in expectation of the life to come. Memory eternal!
Fr. Herman & Kh. Vera Acker and family
Dianne Provenzano
May 26, 2020
I am so deeply saddened. I wish you strength and love during this incredibly difficult time. My love to you and your children.
Patricia Tartivita
May 26, 2020
Please accept my condolences on the loss of David, Larissa. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandra Miller
May 25, 2020
John, Doris and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May his memory be eternal!
Sandy (Basara) Miller
Harry Birch
May 25, 2020
My deepest sympathy to you Larissa and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Your LHS colleague,
Harry Birch
May 25, 2020
Larissa & Family: God Bless you All and give you strength at this difficult time. "Eternal Memory David"
Our sincere condolences, The Cassidy Family
Celia DiPolvere
May 25, 2020
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family at this very sad time.
Natalie Kapeluck
May 25, 2020
Larissa and family - your friends from the Mommy/Daddy & Me program at All Saints Camp send our deepest condolences. Please know we will always be here for your family and are praying for you and David. May His Memory Be Eternal!
Christine McNicholas
May 24, 2020
Anna and Family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Thea Swanson
May 23, 2020
Larissa and family: I am so very sorry to hear this devastating news. Larissa, if you ever want to talk, please email me. Much love to you, Thea.
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275 West Milton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065

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