After a short illness, Henry “Hank” A. Lee, 93, passed away peacefully Feb. 4, 2023 in Tucson, AZ. He grew up in Easton, PA, a proud graduate of Lafayette College, where he earned a B. Sc. in electrical engineering. He maintained close ties with classmates and the college all his life. His 35-year career in project management with Standard Oil (Exxon) allowed him and his family to live in eight countries on four continents. He served the next five years as Director of the NATO Science for Stability Programme in Brussels. Later, he authored a book about the programme’s many projects. Once settled in Arizona, he loved to play golf, volunteer at the elementary school and work on his vintage automobile. Henry and his wife traveled the world and enjoyed Tucson’s many cultural offerings.
Henry wrote with passion and precision about experiences such as working on the family farm and playing sax and clarinet in a dance band and a marching band in his youth. A man who loved wandering old hardware stores and eating ice cream, he left us with memories of his hearty belly laugh, his ease with a slide rule, his puns, his sense of adventure, his delight in encouraging youngsters, and his compassion, generosity and probity. He was a true gentleman.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years: Marie-Pierre Lee, daughters: Diana Groden and Karen (Thomas) Grue, sons: Eric (Sabine) Lee and Patrick (Leanne) Lee, grandchildren: Aden (Taniah) Grue, Dustin (Allison) Grue, Matthew (Loriann) Groden, Renée Berol, Chelsey Grue, Spencer Lee and Julia Lee, great-grandchildren: Liliana Groden and Emilia Groden, sister: Virginia (Fred Jr.) Shotwell, niece: Gwendolyn (Jack) Swire and nephew: Fred (Jeanne) Shotwell III. He was preceded in death by his former wife: Josephine Lee, son: Robert Lee, daughter: Krista Lee, and parents: Alderman Lee and Elsie Lee.
Services are 11 AM Thursday (Feb. 16) in the Palmer Moravian Church, 2901 John St., Easton, PA with visitation 10 to 11 AM. Interment is in Northampton Memorial Shrine. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sarver Heart Center (www.heart.arizona.edu) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Peter Berol
February 15, 2023 at 8:27 pm
We were very saddened to hear that Henry had passed away. Please accept our families heartfelt condolences at this time of loss. He truly was a good man and he will be missed.
Nancy Jo Vassallo
February 21, 2023 at 2:59 pm
It is with great sorrow that I have learned of Uncle Henry’s passing. He was a beautiful soul. Sending my prayers to all of the family and wishing you peace and comfort during this time.