Barry Lee

Barry L. Lee
Barry was born in Ohio on May 14, 1947. His parents were Bernard Melford Lee and Wilma (Alpaugh) Lee. His siblings are Marcia Pierce, Liz Sigala and Bryan Patrick Lee (deceased). Barry's family lived in North Dakota, Illinois and Ohio. He graduated from Fireland High School in Oberlin, Ohio. After high school, Barry enlisted in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to the aircraft carrier, USS Roosevelt, protecting the U.S. from Cuba. Upon discharge, he went to work at IBM as a Senior Operations Analyst. Barry was blessed with two children, Patrick Lee and Ryan Lee. He was also blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law, Virginia and a wonderful grandson, Bryan. He attended Rock Valley College and received his AA Degree. He then attended Rockford College but had to leave school to spend more time with family. Barry was a gifted artist. His hobbies included golf, sudoku, playing cards, pool, jigsaw puzzles, bowling and gardening. He married Mary Gubbe in 1992, and although they later divorced, they remained best friends. Barry's goals included visiting the lower 48 states, working on his health at the V.A., and obtaining a BFA from Rockford University. Sadly, he did not complete his degree. He passed away on May 21, 2025.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m. at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services at 1001 Second Ave., Rockford. In Lieu of Flowers, please make donations to Stepping Stones Stars of Light, 706 N. Main St., Rockford, 61103. To share a memory or condolence visit olsonfh.com.