Elisa Caffese Lee
10/5/1981 - 1/7/2020
Elisa Caffese Lee, known by her stage name Elisa Chase, passed away on January 7th, 2020 at the age of 38. She is survived by her husband, Brett Lee; parents, Robert and Jacqueline Caffese; brother, John R. Caffese; and in-laws, Tom and Darlene Lee and Chris and Rebecca McFarland Lee.
Elisa was born on October 5, 1981 in Detroit, Michigan. She moved with her family back to their native New York City in 1985 and split time between their Long Island and Italy homes until 1990 where they settled in the Poconos area.
A graduate of the class of 1999 from Stroudsburg High School, Elisa attended Moravian College in Bethlehem before transferring to East Stroudsburg University. Before graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Communication in 2004, she was the news director for 90.3 FM WESS which landed her an internship with the "Gary In the Morning" show in 2002 which kicked off a nearly 18-year radio duo powerhouse. In 2009, she entered Villanova's Master of Education program, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2011.
Besides being a Co-host, Producer, and News Director from 2002 to present on the "Gary In The Morning Show" in its various formats, she also worked at the many family businesses, was an image and style consultant at Ann Taylor, and finally joined the staff at her Alma Mater East Stroudsburg University as an Adjunct Professor of Communication in 2015.
Her awards include:
PA Association of Broadcasting for Best Radio Personality (2017,2019), Best Show (2014), Best Production (2016); ESU Outstanding Service Award (2003); Lambda Pi Eta Honors Society (2004); Ann Taylor Style Challenge Winner (2011); Toys for Tots Recognition Awards (2012); Local Flair Magazine Featured (2013); Pike & Monroe Life Newspaper Recognition (2013); Pocono Record Top 40 Pocono Leaders Under 40 (2013); Best New Business Bizzy Award (2013); Cystic Fibrosis Finest Award (2013); Monroe County Image Award (2015, 2017); Best Supportive Staff Bizzy Award (2018); Frank Schoelch Commitment to Community Award.
In 2012, she reconnected with high school classmate and crush Brett Lee, who she later married in 2015.
In her rare moments of free time, she loved indulging in her passions: The Muppets, traveling with family, singing, attending Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Iron Pigs games, connecting with friends and family through online games, and fundraising for countless local charities and community outreach programs. She was devoted to her family, her friends, and was a constant beacon of positivity, energy, and faith.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18th, 2020 at Community Church (1050 Memorial Boulevard, Tobyhanna, 18466), seating begins at 10am; service will follow at 11am. In lieu of flowers, there will be a collection for the East Stroudsburg Fire Department.

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

Published by Pocono Record from Jan. 15 to Jan. 16, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Elisa Lee

15 Entries

Maureen Tatu

February 18, 2024

Thank you for sending this remembrance page for Elisa Lee ( Elisa Chase.) Our whole Pocono region misses her vibrant voice, her intellect, and her unique & sweet laugh, especially on the radio airwaves every weekday morning. May Elisa continue to Rest in Peace.

Maureen Tatu

January 9, 2023

Fondly Remembering Elisa Chase, as she was known to us on her radio appearances..I miss your personality, insights& your unique laughter, every weekday on the radio, still. Rest in peace, sweet lady.

Yvette Cathers

March 3, 2020

I just heard, and I'm shocked. Dear God, I am so sorry.

May God grant her rest where all the saints repose.

Deb Russo

January 18, 2020

I've seen you grow since school days, you've always been a beautiful person your Gona be missed by so many. Rest In Peace
Deb russo

Mary Hillegas

January 18, 2020

You gave us confidence and we had none. You bring us confidence now, that there is a life everlasting. And it is yours.

Carole and Joe Basilicato

January 16, 2020

We are so very sorry for the loss of such a talented and giving person like Elisa. She brought so much joy into the lifes of so many people. She was a bubbly and energetic person. She devoted so much of her time to charities. She was a caring and loving person to not only her family but to her friends and co-workers. Especially Gary. She worked so well with him. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to her family and her radio family. Love Carole and Joe Basilicato.

Penny Dennis

January 16, 2020

Sending Sympathy to Elisa's family at this difficult time. God Bless.

Kathy Uhler

January 16, 2020

I always enjoyed seeing her when visiting the Gary in the Morning Show... She had a way of making all visitors feel at home. The loss is enormous... peace out Elisa....

January 16, 2020

Elisa will be missed by many. She had the most infectious laugh. I listened to her and Gary every morning on my way to work. They were an amazing team. My commute to work will never be the same.

Kim Gardner

January 16, 2020

Sending love and prayers to her husband, family and friends, God bless

Maureen Tatu

January 16, 2020

May sweet and talented Elisa Chase Rest in Peace. Our Deepest Sympathy to her husband and her family and to her 96.7 Gary In The Morning family. Elisa's unique laugh and humor, missed every day!

Laurene McKeown

January 16, 2020

Sending prayers and sympathy to the family of Elisa. She was so fun to listen to and I'll really miss hearing her laugh.

Nora Goodwin

January 16, 2020

I will miss Elisa's tremendous sense of humor and beautiful smile. My condolences to all for family and friends. Hold the memories dear to get you through these times!

Jo-Ann Klimowicz

January 16, 2020

To the family, countless friends and colleagues that have been touched by by the incredible Elisa, I'm so very sorry for your profound loss but also how lucky you all are to have been blessed by having her in your lives.
To Elisa I say thank you for your kindness, your compassion, your lust for life and that infectious laugh. I going to miss you.

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