Obituary of Lawrence Rocco Lee

LAWRENCE R. LEE

LATHAM - Lawrence “Lee” R. Lee (75) of Latham, NY passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Saratoga Hospital.

Lee was born and raised in Utica, NY on June 9, 1949 to the late Rocco and Margaret (Caravella) Lee. He and his sister - whom he called every day - grew up with a large extended family, including his cousins the late Patty, Jackie, Carol, and Sandy. When he turned 18, Lee voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (‘67 - ‘69). Initially told he could not enlist due to having braces, Lee demanded that his braces be removed so that he could serve his country. Lee was wounded twice during his time in Vietnam and received two Purple Hearts in recognition for his service. Additionally, he is the recipient of the United States Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam War Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1969. After his service with the Marines, he tended bar for nearly 8 years before embarking on a 30-year career with American Airlines.

Lee’s greatest accomplishment was taking care of his family who will miss his hugs and his strong, guiding hand. Some of his favorite activities included reading the newspaper and cutting out articles for his two daughters, preparing coffee for himself and his wife of 51 years so they could enjoy the early morning hours together on their front porch, following the stock market, fixing everything and anything around the house (a true inventor at heart), and tending to his beautiful yard. Lee loved spending time with his grandchildren, singing “can’t stop loving youuu” to them, reading them bedtime stories, and performing magic tricks to make them smile. Lee was the life of the party, greeting everyone with his signature “Yo! Lookin’ good!” He was always telling jokes - he made his wife laugh from the first day they met until their last day together - and stories about his various adventures, including searching for the lost treasure of Dutch Schultz. He was an incredibly humble man, not wanting to take any credit for his good works and always considering the needs of others. He was also kind, well-mannered, polite at all times, a good listener, an animal lover, a support during difficult times, and a mentor who loved teaching others what he had learned over the years.

He is survived by his beloved wife Gloria; his daughters Stacy (Lee) McNamara (husband David) and Kristina Lee; his sister Mary (Lee) Naughter; his grandchildren Ava and Aidan; his niece Leigh and nephew Rob; along with many cousins, extended members of the family, and his Marine Corps brothers.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Saratoga Hospital for their exceptional care.

Interment with military honors will take place at the Saratoga National Cemetery on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 10:00AM. The procession to the cemetery will begin at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, at 9:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Disabled American Veterans.

“For loved ones now you leave, of their future do not fret. For all their lives are guided by the standards you have set. A final “Semper Fi”, my friend, and this I know will be. For you, Marine, a home above, for all eternity.” - Harry McKnight (29th Mar-3-H), “Taps for an Older Marine.”