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F. LEE Obituary
Born in Boston, a son of the late Joseph and Deborah (Armstrong) Lee he lived most of his life in Barrington. Mr. Lee was raised in Jamaica Plain, MA. He earned a degree at night at Bentley School of Accounting (now Bentley College) He began working for International Harvester as an apprentice mechanic. He enlisted in the Army, and rose to the rank of Captain in the Ordnance Corp, where he commanded a bomb disposal unit the Pacific theatre in New Guinea, Okinawa, the Philippines and Japan. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves till 1978, when he retired as a Lt. Colonel.
After returning from WWII he resumed his career at International Harvester and was based in Maine, Mass, and RI where he rose through the ranks as a salesman, service manger, branch manager and zone manager. In 1967 Mr. Lee established Colony Ford Truck Center, which became one of the largest truck dealerships in RI. In 1973 he became the owner and CEO and remained so till his death.
He was a Scout Master for many years, served as president of RITA, was a member of the Governors Transportation council, a director of the RIADA and National Private Trucking Assoc, member of the board of Governors at Metacomet Country Club and served on the Presidents Council at Providence College.
Mr. Lee was an avid athlete and outdoorsman who played golf and went for daily runs well into his 80s. He was an accomplished hunter, fisherman, and licensed pilot.
He leaves two sons, William D. Lee, David R. Lee, two daughters Geraldine L. Whitney all of Barrington and Elane D. Lee of Ipswich, MA, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. The funeral will be held on Saturday at 11 AM in the Barrington Congregational Church, 461 County Road, Barrington. Burial with Military Honors will be in Forest Chapel Cemetery in Barrington. Calling hours are Friday 4 to 8 PM in the Smith-Mason Funeral Home, 398 Willett Avenue, Riverside. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you buy something for your family. Visit smithmason.com for information and on line condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for F. LEE
Karen Underwood (formerly Najas)
January 15, 2010
Bill, Kathy and family, I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing. I remember him as such a kind man. He and your mom were so great. I pray that God comforts you during this difficult time.
Love and miss you guys, Karen
christine rusnak
January 12, 2010
DEAR, BILL, DAVID, GERI AND ELAINE
There are no words to express my feelings on the passing of a great man. You can be conforted in knowing he is with your mom and they are both looking down at you and will continue to be your strength. (The Boss) was a gentleman in every sense of the word and it was my pleasure to work for him and for all of you.
Sincerely,
Christine GRande Rusnak
Joe & Dee Covello
January 10, 2010
Gerri, Spud & Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Your father is now an angel on your shoulder. Our hearts go out to you & yours.
"Men like my father cannot die.
They are with me still, real in memory as they were in flesh, loving & beloved forever."
In sympathy,
Russ & Tara Vest
January 9, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Fred Dick
January 9, 2010
Gerry, David, Billy, Elaine; "Iron pants Lee" was one of the two greatest influences in my life. He and Dad showed me and the rest of the Scouts what real men are supposed be. What great memories of "Mr Lee" diving into the Saco River to rescue Ricky and Bob who were trapped under that canoe that they flipped in the first 5 minutes of that 3 day trip down that great river! The Duty and Discipline I learned in Troop 5, under the direction of our Dads was treasure.
Your Dad gave me the first real job I had. What a confidence building experience it is to have a guy like Mr Lee ask a 14 year old kid to help him set up his parts bins in his new Colony Ford Dealership!
There are so many wonderful memories, I could fill a book.
I'll miss your Dad.
David Thibeault
January 8, 2010
To Billy,David and Spud,
My sincerest and heartfelt thoughts are with you and your families at this difficult time.It was an honor and a privelege to know the Boss for as long as I did.He was a great man in more ways than I could write here.He was one of a kind he always made sure everyone was taken care of. I will miss him and think of him often.Men like him are few and too far in between and everyone that knows him loves and cherishes the impact he made in their lives.He truly was a GREAT MAN in every aspect.
Pauline Sionni
January 8, 2010
Our sincere condolences to your family.
Albert and Pauline Sionni
January 8, 2010
Gerry,Billy,David,Spud
i am very sorry for your loss,you will all be in my prayers.
it was a pleasure to work for him and know him for so many years.
i have many memories of him that i will cherish.
Joseph J. Lautieri
Claude & Pauline Hawkins
January 8, 2010
Our sincere sympathy to Bill, David and their families, Jeraldine &
Spud and Elaine. It was an honor to have known Bob Lee. He was a great boss and more than that, he was a good friend and a teacher for all of us.
God Be with all of you
Claude & Pauline Hawkins
Bob Lallier
January 8, 2010
It was a great pleasure spending time with your Mom and Dad. Bob had great stories and Marguerite's sense of humor kept things very interesting at dinner. I will greatly miss them both. My heart felt sympathy is yours.
Carol Jordan
January 8, 2010
Elane, David, Gerry, and Bill
We were very sorry to hear about the passing of your dad- One of the Great's for sure- My dad thought he was awesome and so did I. His upbeat attitude, pleasent smile and twinkling eyes will be missed by many- no more so than all of you. I hope that your memories will comfort you in the days and months ahead.
Peace to you all-and all our prayers
Carol & Bob
Gail and Tony Nunes
January 7, 2010
Gerri, Bill, Elane and David
Tony and I so sorry about your dad. He truly was a very special man. We have wonderful memories of him as I am sure each of you do.
Gene Jutras
January 7, 2010
David and Spud,
My condolences to both of you and your families.
Tony L
January 7, 2010
Bill, Dave, my condolences to you both and your family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Erin Drywa
January 7, 2010
Gerry, Billy,and David
I am sorry to hear about your dad. He was a great man and a pleasure to work for. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families during this difficult time.
Carole Daly
January 7, 2010
Geri, David, Bill and Elaine:
Nick and I are so sorry to hear about your Dad. I have such fond memories of both of your parents. It is like a passing of an era. I know there is great joy in heaven now that the Dalys and the Lees are reunited. May all of your memories bring you comfort and peace. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe & Judie Florenzano
January 7, 2010
Dear Gerri, Elaine, Bill, David,and all Lee Family members,
Mr. Lee was a Great American who served his Country very well. He was also very successful and a loving man who touched many people and will be missed by all who knew him. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Paula Bohan
January 7, 2010
My Dears: I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was one of my favorites uncles, and who wouldn't love someone who was always so up beat and said that everything was "great" and "you look wonderful". He was the best guy, and I am sure he was greeted in heaven by his best girl, and (my wonderful aunt) Margo. I'm away and will miss his funeral, but I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love to you all.
Paula Bohan
Lori and Joe Bonner
January 7, 2010
David and Family.
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult times. My the fond memeories of your Mom and Dad help you through this difficult time, it always works for me.
January 7, 2010
Bill, Kathy and family.. so sorry to hear of your loss.. Praying for you all
LR- Bristol
Michael Fournier George Eosco
January 7, 2010
David, Spud and Family,
We are truly saddened to hear of the passing of your father. May you all find peace in your mind and love in your hearts through the gift of time.
Michael & Nancy Sepe
January 7, 2010
Dear Dave & Bill - Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family at the loss of your Dad. May you find some peace at this difficult time. With sympathy, Michael & Nancy Sepe & your friends at North-Eastern Tree
Phil Mahoney
January 7, 2010
Billy, David and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your families during this difficult time. Mr. Lee was honorable, sincere and never forget how he worked hard for his achievements and passed on his willingness to help others reach there potential.
Phil & Marci Mahoney
January 7, 2010
Dear Bill:
My father and I wish to extend our sincere sympathy for the passing of your father. Mr. Lee was a true gentleman and an exemplary member of Metacomet Country Club. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Gene Verri and Robert Verri
Bob Conneally
January 7, 2010
Bob was a gracious man, and a friend and true gentleman to all who had the pleasure of his company. May God hold you in the palm of his hand. God speed Bob.
January 7, 2010
Gerry, Elaine, David and Billy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all with the loss of your father. May cherished memories of Bob and Margo bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Lee Ann and Ray Spooner
John Gilgun
January 7, 2010
My prayers and sympathy are with the Lee family. Bob was a great guy.
John Gilgun, Former Executive Director, RIADA
Pam Bruno
January 7, 2010
Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
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Smith-Mason Funeral Home - Riverside398 Willett Avenue P.O. Box 15305, Riverside, RI 02915
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