Abraham A Lee

Abraham Alfonza Lee
June 7, 1951 – July 12, 2023
"History is not everything, but it is a starting point. History is a clock that people use to tell their
political and cultural time of day. It is a compass they use to find themselves on the map of
human geography. It tells them where they are, but more importantly, what they must be."
– Dr. John Henrik Clarke
On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 6:27am Abraham ("Abe") transitioned from his earthly body to convene with the ancestors.
Born on June 7, 1951, Abe (or "Fonza" as his South Carolina family affectionately called
him) was the oldest of eight children of the late Bishop Abraham T. Lee and Pastor Mary Evelyn
Lee (4 boys and 4 girls). He was born in the small rural hamlet of McClellanville, South Carolina
before moving to Brooklyn, NY at the age of 5. Abraham's parents moved to Brooklyn seeking a
better life for themselves and their young family. They, like thousands of others became part of
the Great Black Migration out of the Jim Crow South. Arriving in the 1950's, their first residence
was in Bed-Stuy, the iconic and predominantly African-American section of Brooklyn. Roughly
two years later, they would relocate into the public housing units of the nearby Brownsville
community. The family lived there for over two decades before moving to Crown Heights.
Abe's parents emphasized the importance of family, community, education, and a deep
love of God. His commitment to these foundational and guiding principles would become
signature elements of his character and reputation throughout his life.
Very early, Abraham exhibited a strong intellect and excelled on all levels of academia.
He attended PS 268 (Emma Lazarus) Elementary School and Winthrop Jr. High School before
attending the highly competitive and renowned Brooklyn Technical High School where he
concentrated in architecture. After graduation, Abraham enrolled at Cornell University's School of
Architecture in 1969.
Abraham married his lifetime partner, Denise C. Lee (Dendtler) in 1971, and as young
undergraduate students, had the first of their four children, Tashir. Despite being young parents
in the midst of their college studies, the two pushed each other to excel and both graduated on
time. Thereafter, the couple was blessed with three additional children, Jibraan, Sakai, and Amir.
Abe began his architectural career at Beardsley and Beardsley Architects + Engineers in
Auburn, NY as an Architect/Designer. Thereafter, he took on the role of Staff Architectural
Designer at Cornell University. Later, he was employed as a Rehabilitation Specialist at Ithaca
Neighborhood Housing Services. He loved the profession, but his true passion and calling was
education and teaching. Abraham further his studies and, in 1992, earned a Master of Science in
Education from SUNY Cortland and committed the rest of his life to educating the youth of Ithaca.
Abraham was a beloved teacher at Ithaca High School where he taught Government and,
despite facing some initial headwinds, was responsible for developing and teaching the first
African-American History course at Ithaca High School. Abe was known for his engaging style of
presentation and for identifying and fostering the unique talents of individual students. As a
teacher, education was not simply about grades for him, it was about developing critical thinkers,
building confidence, and challenging students to reach their highest potential. Former students
would often stop Abe in the streets and stores of Ithaca and thank him for the profound impact he
had upon their lives.
Abraham's commitment to youth was unwavering. He was a co-advisor to the African-
Latino Student Association at Ithaca High School and co-director of the Saturday Science and
Mathematics Academy (SSMA), the oldest community-based STEM program in the City of Ithaca.
SSMA provides science, mathematics, and computer technology experiences for Ithaca youth
grades three through high school. Abe also worked diligently with other dedicated members of
the community to encourage youth to attend college through campus tours throughout the country
and specifically Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Abraham was a former President of the Southside Community Center Board of Directors
The center flourished under his leadership and many new community initiatives were launched.
During his tenure, Abe helped launch the James L. Gibbs Memorial Award and significantly
expanded the Southside Festival.
Abe was a Prince Hall Ancient Free and Accepted Mason. During his masonic career he
held several distinguished positions, including Past Master of the Henry H. Garnet Lodge #
40, High Priest of Chenango Royal Arch Chapter #11 Commander-IN - Chief (CIC) of Utica
Consistory #45 Special District Deputy Grand Master in the 6th Masonic District MWPHGLNY. To
top it off Abraham (RW Lee) was elected to the highest and final degree in masonry that a
brother can receive and that is of "Grand Inspector General 33". Leadership in the fraternity
proclaimed that Abraham was the cement that held Henry H. Garnet Lodge #40 intact and that
the fraternity had lost a giant.
Abraham was a proud Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and was
the co-founder of the Iota Iota Lambda (Graduate) Chapter in Ithaca, NY and served as its
Education Director. Abe was also a co-organizer of the historic 100 th Anniversary Pre-Centennial
Celebration in Ithaca, NY, where Alpha Phi Alpha was founded.
At his core, Abraham was a lifelong student and scholar. He LOVED to read. His favorite
topic was history, particularly African-American and African history. He often cited Malcom X's
famous quote "Of all of our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research." Some of his
favorite scholars and historians were Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan, and
Carter G. Woodson. He was particularly interested in ancient Kemet (Egypt) and recently took a
course in Medu Neter in order to learn how to read and write hieroglyphics. One of his life's
dreams was to visit Kemet and explore the pyramids, temples, and tombs. More often than not,
you'd find him with a prominent ankh adorning his finger, wrist, or neck. For him it was not about
fashion, but so fittingly at this moment – eternal life. While Abe did not make it to Kemet, he
visited Senegal in April 2023 with his wife Denise, son Tashir, grandson Braxton, and daughter-
in-law Kamilah. He had finally reached the "Motherland"! His face beamed with joy the moment
his feet touched down on "The Continent" and the feeling of returning "home" never left him. It
was determined through DNA tests that his family's ancestral lineage is Yoruba-Fulani (Nigeria)
and Balanta (Guinea-Bissau), of which he was immensely proud.
Besides his love of academia and history, Abe was also a huge music lover. He had an
eclectic vinyl collection consisting of R&B, Jazz, Classic Rock, Reggae, and various African
musical genres dating back to the 60s/70s. He even had a love for Hip-Hop – one of his favorite
songs was Kendrick Lamar's "We Gon' Be Alright!" which served as his phone ring tone for over a
year! He and his wife also loved live music and attended the Essence Music Festival in New
Orleans nearly 23 consecutive years!
Abe had a profound love of African jewelry and fashion and was rarely seen without a
dashiki, a kente or mudcloth accessory to accent his outfit, or a large eye-catching ring or
necklace featuring an Adinkra symbol. He also had a profound love of art from Benin, Kemet,
and the Yoruba people of Nigeria.
Lastly, Abraham loved Low Country (the birthplace of his family in South Carolina) and
New Orleans Creole cuisine. Some of his favorite dishes were shrimp and grits, steamed blue
crabs with Old Bay seasoning, gumbo, frogmore stew, red rice, fried fish/chicken, and BBQ.
The life of Abraham Alfonza Lee will be fondly remembered by his beloved wife of 52 years,
Denise C. Lee, his children, sons Tashir (wife Kamilah), Jibraan (wife Mary), and Amir, and
daughter Sakai.
Grandchildren: Dajhin, Devin, Braxton, Parrish, Pierce, Ashanti
Siblings: Shearan Barnes (husband LeVern), Karen Mitchell (husband Robert), Mark (wife
Yvette), and Teresa
Brother-in-Law: Malcolm Dendtler
Sisters-in-Law: Pamela Dendtler, Camille Dendtler, Artis Dendtler, Anastacia Lee-Hall, and
Cynthia Russell Lee.
Nieces: Cheniqua Williams, Aisha Baker (husband Najeed), Dionna Mitchell, Jasmine Lee,
Jamilah Lee, Ashley Lee, Brianna Burt (husband Albert), Chantel Champlain, Antoinette Dendtler
(husband Dorvin), Sienna Dutkowski (husband James), Bijan Clark, Kendall Dendtler, and
Natasha Carter
Nephews: Shawn Thorpe (Sasha), Antoine Barrett, Devon Mitchell (wife Ashley), Troy Dendtler,
Juan Dendtler (Hannah), Adrian Lee (wife Courtnay), Lateef Way (wife Patty)
And a host of great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.
Abraham was preceded in death by brothers Alvin Lee and Melvin Lee; sister Cynthia Williams;
mother-in-law Evelyn Dendtler; father-in-law Ralph Dendtler; and brother-in-law Ralph Dendtler,
and his granddaughter Amani Lee.
A Few of Abe's Favorite Sayings:
1. Know Thyself
2. To Whom Much Is Given Much Is Expected
3. Service To Community
4. Education Is The Key To Success
5. Love Of Family and Friends
6. Respect and Cherish Elders
7. Lifelong Learners
8. Work Hard Play Hard
9. A People Without A History Is Like A Tree Without Roots