Ronald Patrick Lee, generous man
Ronald Patrick Lee, 81, of Chadds Ford, Pa., and Lewes, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Rita Lee (Friel) for 55 years, and the son of the late Francis X. and Valorie Lee. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Jennifer Lee, Michael (Tish), Brian (Holly) and Meghan Lee. He is also survived by his precious grandchildren, Matt, Savannah, Gavin, Mac, Arden, Reese, Austin and River; and his sister, Valorie McLaughlin. He was predeceased by his sister, Maureen McGovern; and brother, Francis X. Lee.
He was born in Chester, Pa., and later grew up in Wallingford. He was a graduate of Archmere Academy ‘61 and Mt. St. Mary’s University ‘65. Ron started his career in public accounting, then on to the family vending business until he started his own vending company, where he worked even into his 80s alongside his two sons. He was involved in the National Board of the Vending Industry and later got his real estate license. Ron also became a volunteer firefighter while living in Springfield, Pa. Ron was a 25-year member of St. Joseph on the Brandywine Parish.
He was a very generous person who supported numerous charities and made many efforts to help the less fortunate. He also gave his time to assist family members with doing their taxes, investments, and anonymous favors like plowing neighbors’ driveways.
He enjoyed years of playing tennis with friends and made two white water rafting trips in Idaho with friends. Ron was a huge fan of the Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers.
Pop Pop was there as much as possible for his grandkids’ games of baseball, football, basketball, lax, field hockey, swim meets and plays.
Ron’s second home was in Lewes, where, as a child, he spent every summer. Then, he later brought his family to spend countless happy times boating, water skiing, on wave runners, fishing, crabbing, relaxing, and doing his favorite pastime, lighting fireworks. No one could match his dry, witty sense of humor. In Lewes, he was an officer of the Pilot Point HOA for 35 years.
Ron enjoyed traveling, especially on the Viking Cruises.
Ron lost his parents at a young age, and family was a huge focus for the rest of his life. He would do anything for them and was their patriarch. He bravely battled cancer for three years with much family support. In the end, Willow Tree Hospice in Kennett was our guiding light. His humble demeanor is a legacy to his whole family.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, June 27, at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington,
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, June 28, at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Wilmington, with visitation from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery following the service.
Contributions in Ron’s memory may be made to Archmere Academy, 3600 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703; or Ministry of Caring, 115 E. 14th St., Wilmington, DE 19801.
To leave online condolences, visit chandlerfuneralhome.com.
