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Lee W. Kohnstamm

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University of Pennsylvania

Lee Kohnstamm Obituary

KOHNSTAMM--Lee W. The Virginia Dare Extract Company, Brooklyn, deeply mourns the loss of our Vice President International. Lee was responsible for the company's international business and was a highly respected and a well known person in the American beverage industry. He was involved in many trade associations and was instrumental in the activities of the Society of Soft Drink Technologists, the New England Bottlers Association, and the I.B.D.E.A. He authored the Beverage Industry Annual Manual. He was born April 3rd, 1936 and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Lee was always willing to share his knowledge, and was a friend to all. He will be sadly missed.

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

Published by New York Times from Dec. 15 to Dec. 16, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Lee Kohnstamm

23 Entries

Kathy Hinton

December 9, 2008

It's hard to believe this weekend will be 1 year since Lee left us. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him as I pass his desk or when I hand out the price sheets. I still expect him to come to me within minutes to go over some errors that I made. He kept me on the ball and up to date and I miss that.

I continue to think of you and pray for you and I hope that you are watching over your family (especially your Mom). Rest in Peace Lee.

Mary Jane E. Zdila

June 9, 2008

I learned only today 6/9/2008 that Lee passed away when I was calling to let him know that his long time friend and owner of Natrona Bottling Company Paul N. Bowser passed away on May 20, 2008.
Lee was an excellent mentor and took the time to teach me over the past 5 years .
Any time I had a question he had time for me.
I can only imagine he and Paul discussing flavors and formulas where ever they may be.
The beverage world has been blessed with Lee's presence and achievements.
May Lee enjoy eternal life.
Prayfully,
Natrona Bottling Company
Admin. Asst.

Alice Howard

January 7, 2008

Lee and I dated in high school. I remember him as the one or two guys always impecably dressed in a jacket and tie - unusual for Fieldston. We went to Fieldston dances and parties together. He took me to Times Square one New Year's eve. I have fond memories of him.

Ashraf Jum'a

December 21, 2007

I do not know what to say but the words are not enough to discribe what I feel, Lee was like a brother for me, he was so supportive, he helped me allot in each step I did since I start my own business, even since it was an idea. I will never forget him, he was a great man and it was an honor for me to know him and work with him, I will never forget our time in Dubai as we spent some nice days together. May his life rest in peace, Amen.

Nick (VIKING TRADERS) Zephirin

December 20, 2007

SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR THE NEWS

It causes all of us to think how temporal life is, he was always so patient and willing to assist

Regards,

Nick

Marissa Leslie

December 20, 2007

The way we live our lives each day, is a reflection of how we are viewed by our peers. If we spend our days focusing only on the smaller things, we are destined to loose sight of the big picture. Conversely, if we only look at the big picture, we are condemning ourselves to miss out on the smaller things that make up the beautiful collage that is life.
We spend most of our lives trying to achieve a perfect balance between both subjects. Make this your daily goal, and you are sure to be rewarded with happiness, and fulfillment.
Lee Konhstam lived his life, in a powerful & purposeful manner. Yet he never took for granted, nor lost sight of the people & details that would help him to meet the goals he’d set out to achieve.

With Love and Remembrance,

Marissa Leslie

Kathy Hinton

December 19, 2007

I have known Lee for 10 years and have always known him to be hard working, dedicated and very knowledgeable. I had never known him to have an unkind word to or about anyone. I know most people have mentioned his love of Chocolate and that's not all he was about, but that is something that he and I had in common. We would joke that you can't trust anyone who doesn't like chocolate. Before he left for his surgery we discussed all the price sheets that he wanted me to leave for his return and I truly expected to see him back here at some point. I realize his illness was not minor but Lee had bounced back from so many other problems in record time that I really did believe we would see him again and was deeply saddened to learn he had lost the battle. I know he put up a very good fight because that's how he was. It will be hard not seeing him in the kitchen having his lunch at 11:00 when I'm just going for my morning coffee or having him come by asking me for price sheets, but the only consolation is that he didn't have to suffer for a long drawn out time and he is in a better place now. Lee and the entire family will remain in my prayers. God Bless you Lee.

Betty Dueck

December 19, 2007

On behalf of the staff and members of Western Dairies, we would like to show our heartfelt sympathies to the staff and members of Virginia Dare and to the family of Mr. Kohnstamm.

May he rest in peace and may God bless the family through their time of sorrow.

Sincerely,
Western Dairies

Maureen Draganchuk

December 18, 2007

Lee was a treasure chest filled with wonderous information and details relating to many subjects. Most importantly he was always willing to share all he knew. I so enjoyed all of our conversations and will miss the other great chocolate connoisseur. I am saddened that I did not have a chance to say good-bye but delighted that he did not have to suffer very long. Patience was not a word he knew.

Jacques Etheart

December 18, 2007

Throughout the years I have known Lee, he was always willing to help you in whatever aspect of the beverage industry. He was very knowledgable. I'll miss his help and intuition. My condolences to his family.

Dr.Sanjay Motwani

December 18, 2007

Mr.Lee Kohnstamm was an exceptional man who had touched us with his great compassion, care and help in all aspects of our business relationships.

Whenever I was in doubt, there was Lee always there to help and give solutions.

My healtfelt condolences on behalf of Index Pharma-India.

Steve Kates

December 18, 2007

I recall at Fieldston Lee's extraordinary (obsessive) knowledge of baseball statistics. He obviously had a fine and retentive mind. He was just too young to die.

Ricardo Manrique

December 18, 2007

Lee loved Ecuadorian Chocolate, specially the ones from La Universal and Chocolates Bios,
every year I sent him a package of both and he was very happy for that, the minute he openned those packages, " everything was gone "

Lee will be deeply missed !!!
Ricardo Manrique
Guayaquil,Ecuador

Beatrice Lopez

December 18, 2007

May Lee rest in peace. You will be always remember as a perfect example of hardwork and business knowledge. It was a good experience to work with Lee. During that short time we shared I learned many things from him. We will miss you.

Parbattie Demerara Distillers

December 18, 2007

On behalf of the management and staff of Demerara Distillers Ltd, we wish to extend our sincere sympathy to the management and staff of Virginia Dare Company and the family to Mr. Kohnstamm.

May god bless you all with the strength and faith to continue the good work.

Regards,

Parbattie

Julia Harris

December 17, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jon Victor Kohnstamm

December 17, 2007

I was so glad that Lee was able to attend Wendy's wedding this past June. He looked so well, he certainly had his usual enthusiasm and we had a great time.

Cousin Lee was a lovely person. We always had pleasant times together - wish there were more.

Our remaining family should become a little closer.

Lee led an exemplary organized life. Businesswise he was very dedicated, respected and competent.

His passing is a big loss for me and my family and he will be missed.

Aura Pena

December 17, 2007

When chocolate was involved, nobody’s' eyes shine more than Lee's, and this is what I will miss the most. Rest in Peace Lee.

eileen huth

December 17, 2007

Lee truly enjoyed chocolate.
He would stop by daily to grab a few pieces usually after lunch.
Many times he would show up with bags of chocolates to restock the dish.I miss his visits

Belkis Ortiz

December 17, 2007

May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish. Lee was a very special person that will never be forgotten.

Demerara Distillers

December 17, 2007

On behalf of my colleagues and I, I would like to express our condolences to Mr. Lee family and Co-Workers

Marian Brickner

December 16, 2007

I remember Lee as being immaculate, articulate, serious and with a wonderful smile.

I was a class mate of Lee's at Fieldston High School.

Jo Ann Intili

December 15, 2007

Lee was/is my brother. It's sad to lose him so soon, but at least he died without pain. Working at our Dad's company and then with Va. Dare meant a lot to him; and he really enjoyed his work with the family of customers and staff. He will be missed.

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