Deacon John A. Lee

Deacon John A. Lee, age 69, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 4, 2007 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. His loving family was by his side at the time of his passing. Born in Utica on June 24, 1937, John was the son of the late Edward A. and Julia (Calogero) Lee. He was raised and educated in Utica and graduated from T. R. Proctor High School in 1955. He furthered his education at Utica College, earning a business degree. A U.S. Veteran he proudly served with the U.S. Navy. On April 28, 1962 he was joined in the sacrament of marriage to the former Barbara A. Fiore. The couple’s married life was an example of perfect love and respect for one another. A hard worker all his life, Deacon John held a position as district manager for Distribution Services, Inc., retiring in 1998. His family was his utmost priority, and he was always available for anyone who needed him. He could never do enough to assist people. Graced with humor and vitality, he was a positive, happy individual who always had a smile on his face. In 1994 he began his studies for the Holy Order of Deaconate and was ordained a Deacon in 1998 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse. Prior to attending the Deaconate, he was involved in many areas of the church assisting in any capacity possible. Caring and compassionate with a strong faith in God and a dedication to the catholic and the deacon community, he served on many committees, representing the Eastern Region and the Utica/Rome area. His forte was in keeping the local deacon community united, meeting every Tuesday morning for prayer and sharing. He was stellar in his vocation. He also served as Deacon and Spiritual Advisor for the Knights of St. John Commandery #385, and the Knights of Columbus Utica Counsel chaplain. During his leisure time he enjoyed the game of golf. He was an organizer and coach for little league baseball when his son Ed participated in the sport. He was an avid New York Yankees fan and a supporter of the Syracuse Orangemen. He was a communicant of both Sacred Heart Church and St. Mary’s Church in New York Mills. Deacon John is survived by his wife Barbara; his daughter and son-in-law, Carla and Sean Ryan of Whitesboro; his son and daughter-in-law, Ed Lee and Alyssa Lee-Kenney of Wisconsin; He mourned the loss of his grandson, Daniel Patrick Ryan, who passed away on August 22, 2006. Also surviving are his sisters and brothers-in-law, Josephine and Frederick Kilburn, Edwina and Robert Fitzpatrick, Theresa and Robert Aliasso, Kathleen and Donald Broccoli, all of Utica, Rosalind “Roz” Lee of New Hartford; his brothers and sister-in-law, Richard and Joan Lee, and David (Lee) Lia, all of Myrtle Beach, SC. His extended family includes his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; his mother-in-law, Betty Fiore, and his in-laws, Aline Lee, and Carl and Annette Fiore, all of Utica; and his many dear friends, too numerous to mention. He was predeceased by his brother, Carmen P. Lee; and his father-in-law, Patrick Fiore. The family wishes to thank Officer James Toomey of the New York Mills Police Dept., the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, including the Critical Care Unit (CCU) 2nd Floor, and the Emergency Room Staff and Kunkel Ambulance. Appreciation is also extended to Dr. Mathew Ulahannan and Dr. Atul Butala. The genuine friendship and commitment shared with Father John Flanagan and Father Val Krul were of great value and inspiration to John and his family. Visitation will be held Monday (today) from 4:00 – 8:00 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ann St., Utica. A Deacon vigil will be conducted at 4:15 p.m. The Knights of John Commandery # 385 will conduct ritualistic services at 8:00 p.m. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, memorial donations in Deacon John A. Lee’s honor may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church; envelopes will be available at the visitation. Deacon John’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday morning at 9:30 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Deacon John A. Lee

June 24, 1937 - May 4, 2007