Lee W. Cherry

Lee W Cherry passed away on January 13th, 2026 at Granny's Loving Angles board and care in Danville CA. He was a longtime resident of San Lorenzo, CA.

Lee was born in Portage, Indiana, to Barton Orlando Cherry and Goldie May Blake. He was proceeded in death by his siblings Forest, Morris, Bob and Haven, and by his beloved wife of many years, Billie L Cherry, who passed away on February 1, 2026.

He is survived by his daughter, Diane Montesano and her husband Eric Montesano and Debra Montesano and her husband Ken Montesano. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kristina Montesano; Vincent Montesano and his wife Danielle, and their children, Mackenzie and Lorenzo; and Samantha Navarro and her husband, Alberto, and their children Rosalinad and Ramona. He is also survived by his grandson, Niko Montesano and his wife Eva.

Lee served in the Merchant Marine for 30 years, sailing on approximately 25 different vessels throughout his career. He proudly served during World War II from 1944 to 1945 aboard the vessel Shawnee, and later helped transport troops and supplies during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Ater his time at sea, he worked for 10 years as a bargeman with the Inland Boatmen's Union (IBU).

He was a proud member of the Masons, belonging to Oakland Lodge No. 61. In his free time Lee enjoyed working on old vintage vehicles, especially his 1934 Hudson. He was an active member of the Hudson Essex Terraplane Club, California Inland Chapter. He and his wife Billie loved taking road trips across the country, visiting friends and family along the way.

A memorial service to honor both Lee and his wife Billie will be held on June 12th at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette, California.