Robert Lee's Obituary
On September 1, 2014, Bob Lee passed away with loving family at his side in San Mateo, California.Bob was born in Pennsylvania in 1925 then moved to China as a child. He returned from China when he was 14 years old traveling by ship. This was a long journey for a boy. He grew up in the Washington DC area where he waited on tables in a restaurant that his father owned. He learned that solid work was rewarded with more than compensation.He attended college at George Washington University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. His first job was a draftsman for the Department of the Navy. He liked the white collar work for a change. Later he worked on submarine noise control which led to his 40+ year career.Bob happily dedicated 40+ years of his life engineering solutions to reduce jet engine noise for General Electric. Although family was very important to him, his passion for his work was a big element in his life. He made numerous breakthroughs utilizing his intellect, creativity and enthusiasm. Soon in his career he became an Engineering Manager for a group of 50 unit managers, engineers and technicians. Bob was an accomplished professional and leader.Bob met his first wife Theresa in a church function. She was attractive, and he said he was lucky to get her phone number. They dated, married and eventually had two sons John and Jason. Married with a wonderful family life they lived in Boston and later moved to Cincinnati. He enjoyed chess, ping pong, tennis, cards, board games, bowling and billiards with his boys. The family enjoyed vacationing in Cape Cod, especially eating at the clam shacks along the beach. Bob was always there for the family and there were no worries. He helped create a safe home. The marriage lasted over 30 years until Theresa sadly passed away in 1990 unexpectedly but peacefully.Bob met his second wife Jane Chung and married her in 1993. They took care of each other and it was a good marriage. He especially liked her marvelous cooking. They moved to a home with a golf course view and enjoyed the retirement life. They traveled to many places including Paris, Rome and China. Later in 1999 they moved to the San Francisco Bay area and continued their happy life that included visits from her sons Michael and Johnny.In 2000, Bob’s younger son Jason moved from Michigan to a home just 5 minutes away from him. That was an ideal arrangement for Jason, his wife Debbie, sons Nathan and Brandon to spend time with Bob for the next 14 years. He enjoyed dinner with the family every weekend for the last 8 years. Bob’s son John and his family visited from Utah as often as they could. In 2009, Bob’s second wife Jane unfortunately passed away.Bob’s health started to decline in 2006 so he needed the daily assistance of a professional caregiver. Merlin Velasquez took exceptional care of his daily physical needs for 8 years at his home. She and Bob had a fondness for each other. Bob enjoyed her bubbly, humorous and spunky personality. Merlin became part of the entire Lee family and will forever be in the hearts of Bob and his family.Throughout his life, Bob especially enjoyed chess, history, philosophy, classical music, intellectual conversations, politics and world events. He also enjoyed good food that included authentic Chinese, steak, prime rib and lobster. His favorite desserts were anything sweet, particularly pecan pie, cheese cake and butter pecan ice cream.Bob was survived by his older brother Tom; older sister Alice; older cousin Helen; sons John and Jason; niece Susie; niece Linda; nephew Philip; daughter-in-law Debbie; daughter-in-law Caroline; grandsons Michael, Nathan and Brandon.Bob was from the greatest generation where integrity, honesty and fairness were highly valued. He practiced this his entire life at work and at home. He was known for his kindness and generosity. Bob was a gentleman and had a nice warm smile. He was a good man, son, brother, cousin, husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend. He will be dearly missed. May he enjoy heaven for all that he has given others. Amen.
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