Lee R. Dafoe

Lee R. Dafoe, 73 formally of Malone, passed away on November 15, 2025 at Elderwood of Uihlein at Lake Placid with his wife and his dog, Sarapheena by his side. Per his wishes there will be no public services. Arrangements are under the care Frary Funeral Home, Malone.
Lee was born on February 5, 1952 to the late Lee E. and Mabel I. (Hill) Dafoe in Cortland, NY. The family relocated to DeKalb Junction, NY when Lee was just three years old. He graduated from DeKalb Junction in 1970. He would do farm work for area farmers in the summer until he entered the Army on December 29, 1972. Lee served two terms. During his first term he was stationed in Spinelli Barracks, Manneheim, Germany. His title there was 64030 Motor Transport Operator (Related Civilian Occupation and CDL Truck Driver). On October 22, 1975 after serving two years, nine months, and twenty-two days. Lee was honorably discharged as a specialist fourth class. Just one day later on October 23, 1975, Lee re-enlisted for a second term. While there he earned the medal of Good Conduct, Defense Service, and for Marksman. On October 24, 1978 he was honorable discharged as a Specialist Fouth Class.
When Lee was a child, he got to ride along with his dad, who was a transport driver. Lee referred to it as the "Big Truck." He knew that someday this would be his occupation, too. So, after his discharge from the Army, Lee went and got his CDL; now the future occupation was in reach. Lee enrolled in Mater Dei College, in Ogdensburg, NY where he studied small business management. Lee graduated, receiving his degree. Lee's heart wasn't set on being an office worker; her wanted to follow in his father's footsteps as a transport driver. He did this until February 2007 when he was forced to give up driving the "Big Truck."
On February 6, 2007, just one day after his 55th birthday, Lee was diagnosed with squamous Cell Carcinoma of the middle ear- stage 4, with a day-to-day prognosis.
On July 4, 2002 Lee married the love of his life, Melanie Jerome in Lisbon Townhall, with the Honorable Phil Fonda presiding. On July 4th, 2025 they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
There are three stepsons and their families; Scott C and Diane (Wunder) Alexander, Jason M. and Stacey (Sholette) Kench, and Travis G. and Amanda Grimshaw) Kench. Together Lee and Melanie raised the youngest Travis. Grandchildren from oldest to youngest are; Jessie Rae Alexander of Ogdensburg, Stephanie M. Alexander of Detroit, Jayde M. Kench of Ogdensburg, Joslyn M. Kench of Ogdensburg, Ariya E. Kench of Malone and Ryker G. Kench of Malone.
Lee is survived by his wife Melanie Jerome-Dafoe, stepsons and their families; Scott, Jaason, and Travis, his brother Alan Dafoe of Indiana, his sisters; Carl Zokos of Gouverneur and Linda (Roger) Carr of Madrid. He is predeceased by his parents Lee E. and Mable I. and a sister Donna.
Melanie would like to thank Lee's best friend and texting partner, Murl Hogel for keeping in touch on a daily basis and bring the two or them together.
When Lee was not sharing his hamburger with his special dog Sarapheena, he could be found doing puzzles or working on a puzzle book, listening to oldies music, or watching cop, medical, or Ice Road Trucker shows on television.
Condolences to the Dafoe family may be made online at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.