Abraham A Lee

Abraham Alfonza "Abe" Lee was taken from us much too soon - he transitioned just 1 month after the Cornell Class of `73 50th Reunion event held from June 8-12, 2023. I think I can speak for all of those in attendance who knew Abe, when I say how wonderful it was to see him for that one last time. Abe stood steadfast during those turbulent times at Cornell from 1969 through 1973 and because of it he left a legacy of achievement, a beautiful family, and many wonderful memories. My only regret from attending the Cornell Class of `73 50th Reunion is that I didn´t spend more time with Abe. He will be sorely missed. As Abe has been a blessing to so many, may God continue to Bless his Family now and throughout their lives.

Dr. Israel Rose & Family

Every time I see your face and read this...tears. We miss you dad and the boys miss their grandpa. Loving you forever.

XOXO to heaven,
Mary, Jibraan, Dajhin and Devin.

Dear Denise,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. I didn't know him but I often saw you together at so many of our community events. Your combined contribution to our community is immeasurable. I am forever grateful to you, Denise, for the education of my son, Jeremy. May you take comfort in your vast community of family, friends and those others, like me whose lives you and Abe have touched
Camille Tischler

Dear Ms. Lee, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Lee's passing. You two were always such wonderful supports and mentors for me- from the time I was 6 years old at Central Elementary until the last time I saw you a few years ago. He will forever be in my heart.

Dear Denise and Family,

We extend our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Since our arrival in Ithaca, you were introduced as Abe and Denise Lee as though you were one person. We rarely saw you two part which is why his passing is so difficult to accept.
I was immediately drawn to the warmth and wisdom of you both and over time began to truly appreciate your contributions to the Ithaca community at large. Abe's physical presence will be missed but his legacy lives on through all the lives he has touched in this community.

May the peace of God cover you forever more.

With agape love,
Donna & Marla Lucy-Lender

Our dear friend Abe´s abrupt departure to be with our ancestors still seems incomprehensible. Our imagination has Abe and Denise forever dialed in, inseparably together, loving each other embracing the best for our beloved Black Ithaca community. From Charlotte, we watched the live streamed memorial proceedings feeling a deep sense of grief and loss, and also an enormous sense of gratitude and inspiration to have toiled in the soil with Abe and Denise and many others to save, inspire, and safeguard the destiny of Ithaca´s Black youth and families. Abe was a giant among men courageous and compassionate not afraid to publicly display authentic love for his wife, children, the community and the movement. Here was a rare kind of man, gentle, soft spoken, listener, race man, God fearing, and upright scholar! Here was the Black man standing in the door of ISD telling youth the truth. Men in this mold aren´t often born by crafted for times such as these. He´ll be missed no doubt. His legacy will live on in the tears of gratitude of countless young men. We love you Abe and Denise. May God keep and hold you close! Nick, Regina, and family

He was a great person! He didn't mind lending a hand to uplift the community. I am sending my thoughts and prayers to his family. Rest in peace.

Dear Denise and family, It's with great respect and deep sadness that we offer our sincerest condolences. Abe's significant contribution to the students of ISCD and the community at large goes beyond words. You both have been such significant role models for all of us. We pray that deep loving memories will begin to heal your heart. So sorry for your loss. Katrina and Michael Ouckama

Denise, My prayers to you and your family. May GOD continue to BLESS EACH OF YOU with COMFORT, STRENGTH and JOYOUS MEMORIES OF ABE LEE. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. He was truly a gift to all who had the opportunity to know him.

Abraham was always a kind man. Patiently waiting for Denise when she stopped to talk with everyone she knew in Ithaca. Our love is with your family always In our hearts and thoughts Take care, Laureen, James "Jay", and Brandon Hamilton

"Did you know .... ", was my son´s statement in Abe´s classes each time they discussed history.... He encouraged it and laughed that he was so proud to have a student involved that read so much . His TA , he would share, when we would meet somewhere in Ithaca with Denise and himself.
What a secure and caring person that could reach out and help so many others but especially his students. Giving them the ability to express knowledge and appreciate that knowledge was a gift each child took away from Abe to share with others in our world today.
Those kids go proudly out across the country and world doing great and wonderful works for having been taught by Abe Lee.
Thank you , Abe.
Rita Demarest

To the Lee family, Bernice and I send our love and condolences. You were among the first people we met when we moved to Ithaca in 1974. From that day on our families have been connected. We mourn your loss with you. We pray God's grace as you celebrate the life and love you shared with Abe.

Denise & family,
We are so very, very sorry.
Abe was so respected & rightly so. His compassion, dedication & kindness will never be forgotten.
Sending our deepest condolences.
Marie, Daniel, Jessica Vitucci

When I think of Abe Lee, I think of his smile. He knew how to take pleasure in good company, good food, good cinema and good music. I am glad I was around at times to share that positive aura. To Denise and family: I hope the embrace by this wonderful community will give you all strength to continue in Grace at this difficult time.

Thank God for Brother Abe´s love for family and community. We will continue to reap the harvest of the seeds that he and his lovely wife, Denise, planted in our community, for many years to come. May God grant peace and comfort to his family and friends as we celebrate his life and legacy. Love and blessings,
The Odom-Reed Family

I worked with Abe in a few schools. He was a wonderful gentleman and displayed great teaching and empathy for all of his students. We in Ithaca have lost a caring member of the Ithaca community. We send our condolences to his lovely wife Denise and the family.
Barbara Katz-Brown and Steve Brown

We´re gonna miss you Uncle Abe!

Denise, Knowing Abe has been a pleasure. I pray that your good memories and enduring love will comfort you and your family.

The joy, the love, the presence of Abe remains a powerful force for us and generations to come. His life IS a history lesson to be retold and inspire. Thanks Blessings of consolation and comfort for Denise, family and all who grieve. Abe´s impact on our hearts and communities abides.

We can not imagine this community without Abe Lee. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Denise, we are here for you. With great sadness and love.

Mr. Lee was my history teacher back in 2009/2010. He always made the lessons fun and I enjoyed his class, we were always laughing.

I was shocked to hear about Mr. Lee. He has gone too quickly. He is such an accomplished gentleman. His absence will be felt by many. My heart goes out to his wife and family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Denise,
May the love of family and friends comfort you and may your heart be filled with joyful memories as you celebrate Abe's well-lived life.