Donald Lee DuSell

Donald Lee DuSell, of Erieville, NY passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on Thursday, September 19, 2024. He was born on June 26, 1927, in Aurora, IL, the only child of Donald Isidore DuSell and Caroline Louise (Strausberger). He was a graduate of East Aurora High School. On September 2, 1950, Lee married Mary Elizabeth (Stewart) in the dining room of her parents' home in Springfield, MO.
An artist from early childhood, Lee went on to have an internationally acclaimed career as an artist, craftsman, and designer. In his teenage years, he studied painting at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Following military service in the Philippines at the end of World War II, Lee studied at Escuela des Bellas Artes in San Miguel, MX and at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, MI. There, Lee met his future wife, Mary, who was also an artist and student at Cranbrook. In his early career, Lee earned national recognition when a dining table that he had designed for use in his own home won a major prize in a national design competition. His designs for tables, sofas, and chairs were very much part of what is now known as mid-century modern design.
Lee had a close association of 30 years with the architect Minoru Yamasaki and worked with him on commissions in the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. Concurrently, Lee was a Professor of Art at Syracuse University, where he began the Industrial Design department and helped found an interdisciplinary art department on campus called Experimental Studios.
In addition to his professional work, Lee produced a large personal portfolio of beautiful, imaginative sculptures that echoed his strong Christian faith. Many of these works prominently feature motifs of angels. Lee prolifically crafted gifts and items for everyday use, and many of these beautiful objects adorn the homes of his family and friends to this day.
At home, Lee was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved the beauty of nature and was blessed to be able to live happily in his home to the very end of his life.
Lee's beloved wife, Mary, predeceased him in July 2012. They had a close, loving marriage of 62 years. He is survived by his children, Noll DuSell and wife Lori; Gordon DuSell; and Brian DuSell and wife Teresa. He is survived by his grandchildren, Jeffrey (Heidi), Collin (Jenn), Brian Christian, Severin, and Xavier DuSell and his great-grandchildren, Willa, Carter, Natalie, and Lily.
Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 31 Cedar St., Morrisville, NY 13408.
To send a condolence online, please visit www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com