Obituary published on Legacy.com by Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel on Mar. 3, 2025.
Nathaniel Ryan Lee, 23, of
Sunbury, Ohio passed away at his home Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Nate was born on May 12, 2001, in Oswego, New York into a loving family. When he was in the 4th grade, Nate and his family moved to
Sunbury, Ohio, where he met his first best friend, Dylan. He attended Big Walnut High School and earned his high school diploma. After high school, Nate wasted no time in getting a job so he could pursue his interests, working at Kroger, a car wash and ultimately for Rain One Irrigation, of which he was very proud. His diligence paid off when, at the age of 23, he purchased his first truck, a Blue Chevy S10, on which he spent hours maintaining under the guidance of his friends. Nate was beloved by all who knew him and cherished by his family. He is survived by his mother Deborah (Tim McNish) Lee; sisters Richele and Heaven Lee; grandparents Phyllis and Richard "Bompie" Favata; close friends Chandler (Skyler Coverdale) Riese and Dylan Howe, godparents Rob Favata and Shirley Calderone-Davis; uncles Rick (Darlene) Favata and Rob (Melissa) Favata; and several cousins. Nate joins in rest his great grandparents Frank and Shirley Garafolo and Dominic and Vileta Favata. He will be deeply missed.
From a very young age, the most important thing to Nate was baseball, particularly the Yankees after his grandfather Bompie introduced him to them. His mind was an unfillable trove of baseball facts, stats, and players. It was his savant. When he was young and before he could form sentences, Nate saw Derek Jeter on the television and turned to his mom and began to try to excitedly tell her who he was seeing. One word ran on into the next and soon enough he was able to communicate in complete sentences. It was a turning point for Nate in his life that opened up the world to limitless possibilities and his uniquely contagious joy.
In keeping with his love of baseball, Nate's family made sure to nurture his passion. As a fifth birthday/father's day gift to Nate, Bompie took him to his first game at the old Yankee Stadium. Nate astounded those around him with his knowledge of the interim trivia questions. He later attended the new Yankee Stadium when the Yankees took on the Red Sox. Every time he attended a game at a new stadium, he made sure to also snag a representative mini Louisville Slugger which he collected. Aside from baseball he loved to fish (mostly to talk about fishing), making beats, and listening to his favorite artists, Riley Green, Morgan Wallen, and Chris Stapleton. He also enjoyed classic country, Buddy Holly and Hip-Hop, particularly Lil Nas. Most of all, Nate enjoyed spending his time on a discord server with his friends playing video games. When doing none of the above, Nate adored spending time with his yorkies, Marianna and Yogi.
Nate was born into the world with high aspirations and a drive to meet them. He was a pure soul, enjoying the moments as they were his to behold. He had an infectious laugh and a smile that people looked for in a crowd. It was said that if there were a room full of people, Nate would be the first person you would see. He radiated a passion for life and a desire to have a positive effect on others and this made him magnetic. He was selfless and charitable, always thinking of others. He was beloved by all who knew him. Nate approached the world with kindness and love and found total joy in the sublime. However tragically brief our time with Nate has been, those years were as full of his best as 90 years in anyone else.
Arrangements were made with the Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel in
Sunbury, Ohio. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, March 7 from 4-7 with a eulogy at the end of calling hours. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution towards the cost of services via Nate's GoFundMe would be appreciated. Thank you for your generosity.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nathaniel, please visit our floral store.