David Tun-Cheow Yee

David Tun-Cheow Yee obituary, Northborough, MA

David Tun-Cheow Yee

David Yee Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hays Funeral Home - Northborough on Nov. 19, 2024.

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David Tun-Cheow Yee
December 8, 1936 to November 14, 2024
Northborough, Massachusetts
David Tun-Cheow Yee, 87, of Northborough, MA passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, November 14, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family and friends.
David was born in a Toishan village in Guangdong (Canton), China, and immigrated to the United States in 1949 at the age of 13. He attended Brookline High School, Tufts University, and Northeastern University before earning a master's degree in electrical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. During his studies, he completed co-op placements at the Sanborn Company and MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Following his graduation, David embarked on a distinguished career of over 30 years as a principal engineer at GTE Corporation, where he contributed to significant projects, including instrumentation for the Apollo spacecraft.
In his retirement, David remained active, disciplined, and curious. Inspired by one of his sons, he worked in IT support for Microsoft applications in the 1990s. Later, he became a photography technician at CVS in Northborough, developing digital photos and film for the community.
David was first married to Lana Wong Yee, with whom he had three children: Amy Yee, Michael Yee, and Joseph Yee. He later married Lisa Dung-My Yee, who survives him, along with their son, Andrew Yee. David was the eldest son of Ngut Ling Yee and Thlet Ning Yee, and is also survived by his siblings, Edward Yee and Judy Yee Connolly.
David had a wide array of interests and hobbies that showcased his discipline, curiosity, and passion for life and family. He was an avid solitaire player – having spent countless hours playing at night, a dedicated photographer with his Nikon camera, and a tropical fish hobbyist. He took pride in his gardening, becoming well-known in his neighborhood for cultivating the largest garden and generously sharing its abundant harvest, particularly his Asian squash.
David also enjoyed watching action and martial arts films, often accompanied by his family at the local theatre. Deeply spiritual, he achieved the fifth level in divine dharma meditation science, demonstrating wisdom and patience throughout his life. He loved hamburgers and drinking black coffee, especially from Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds.
David will be remembered for his intellectual curiosity, love of family, and generous spirit.
A burial service will take place on Friday, November 22nd at 1:30pm in Forest Hills Cemetery – 95 Forest Hill Avenue, Boston, MA 02130. Please meet by 1:15pm at the front gate, and we will depart at 1:30pm for the burial.
Those who would like to donate and/or send flowers in David's memory, please contact Andrew Yee at 508-523-6646 or via Venmo (@yeeandrew). In leu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Sakya Institute for Buddhist Studies (https://sakya.net/#Support).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign David Yee's Guest Book

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May 14, 2025

Edward Yee posted to the memorial.

November 22, 2024

Carl Z posted to the memorial.

November 19, 2024

Hays Funeral Home - Northborough posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Edward Yee

May 14, 2025

I will miss my brother David. Growing up, he was a big brother to me.
He helped me with my school homework, especially math. When he came to this country with our mother from China, he was way advanced in math. He went on and got his BS and MS degrees in engineering and worked on the Apollo lander instrumentation at GTE Sylvania. He had the nickname, The "Vespa Kid" in BHS having owned a Vespa Scooter. He worked summers at the now closed "Treasure Island Amusement Park" in Wakefield in HS as a railroad conductor. He was like the Ollie in "Stan and Ollie shows" next to his sidekick railroad conductor (from an old photo).

One of David's closest friends was Robert Perkins, I remember Robert as a very talented artist who drew WWII airplanes. He would draw sketches for me as I was in grammar school.

My condolences to Lisa, Andrew and my niece Amy, nephews Michael and Joey. My brother will be missed.

Ed

Carl Z

November 22, 2024

Lisa & Andy,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of David. I will always remember him working in his garden and how he nurtured and took incredible care of it. His warm smile and kind eyes were very welcoming. He always had good things to say. he was a very kind and wonderful man. I also enjoyed seeing him at the mailboxes and sharing a simple hello. I will miss seeing him. He will be forever in my mind and heart.

Sincerely,

Carl

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Hays Funeral Home - Northborough

56 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532

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Sign David Yee's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 14, 2025

Edward Yee posted to the memorial.

November 22, 2024

Carl Z posted to the memorial.

November 19, 2024

Hays Funeral Home - Northborough posted an obituary.