Mr. Carmen J. Lee

UTICA – Mr. Carmen J. Lee, age 84, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on June 24, 1940, Carmen was the son of the late Gilbert C. and Elizabeth (Suppa) Lee. He was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy/Class of 1958. On April 22, 1961, he joined in matrimony with the former Judith A. Aigner. The two were high school sweethearts and could not live with or without each other At the age of 16, Carmen found employment as a truck driver with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, the position from which he retired after 41 years of dedicated service. Not a man to stay still, he later worked for Chanatry’s Hometown Market, a job he thoroughly enjoyed for 20 years. A gregarious person, Carmen loved to socialize and be around other people. He knew the value of a good drink and good laughs – he made wonderful memories at The Auburn and was even gifted his own seat and stool. He could often be heard saying “One more and I’m out of here!” He would also try his luck at scratch-off lottery tickets. Carmen lived life his own way, worked hard, stayed true to his convictions, and often broke out his great sense of humor. Some of his favorite pastimes were watching classic movies and cheering on his favorite teams, the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. He was also a proud member of the NYS Teamsters Union. Most of all, Carmen loved his family unconditionally. Carmen is survived by his beloved wife, Judith; daughters and sons-in-law Lori and Craig Stenske, and Linda Sarcone and Joseph Betrus and his daughter, Alyssa; brother and sister-in-law, Francis and Marianne Lee; nieces and nephews, Tricia Lee, Carol Ann and Michael D’Accurzio, and Mary Frances and Todd Carville and their mother, the late Frances (Audino) Lee, who passed away in 1995; many great-nieces and great–nephews, aunt, Victoria “Vicki” Perritano; a host of cousins; and many cherished friendships, both lifelong and recent. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenneth C. and Ethel Aigner. Carmen’s family extends their gratitude to Dr. Amina Mookshah, MD and the emergency staff at Wynn Hospital for their care and compassion. The family will honor and commemorate his life privately. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Carmen’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Memorial contributions in Carmen’s honor may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center online at www.mskcc.org; envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Carmen J. Lee

June 24, 1940 - August 28, 2024