NORTH BROOKFIELD: Walter F. Lee, Sr., 70, of 9 Lee Avenue died Tuesday, June 18 at Harrington Memorial Hospital after being stricken ill.
Walter was predeceased by his wife Ann (Josephson) Lee of 48 years in 2012. He leaves three sons Walter F. Lee, Jr. and his wife Susan of New Braintree, Bryan Lee and his companion Melinda Nadeau and her son Reagan of Worcester, Blaise Lee of North Brookfield, two daughters Justyne Smith and her husband Jeffrey of East Brookfield and Merrie Lareau and her husband Raymond of North Brookfield; nine grandchildren Amanda, Daniel,Kyle, Justin, Nicholas, Patrick, Shannon, Adam and godchildren Susan Igoe Tourtillotte of Simsbury, CT and Eric Martineau of Spencer, his best friend of 65 years Robert Miner, several nieces, nephews and two sisters. He was pre-deceased by a godson Robert Tibbetts.
Mr. Lee was born in Ware, son of Francis T. and Mary E. (Fuller) Lee. He graduated from North Brookfield High School in 1961. He owned and operated Lee’s Excavating with his sons and previously worked for his father “Red Lee & Son”. He was a 4th Degree Knight and belonged to the Knights of Columbus, Council 2381 in North Brookfield. He belonged to Local 404 Springfield Truck Drivers Union. From 1967 - 1972 he was a member of the "Red Lee & Son Construction" Softball League in North Brookfield. He contributed his time and equipment to the construction of the new fire training facility in North Brookfield in memory of his father. He was a contributor to the “Strong on Sports” program in North Brookfield . He enjoyed playing Santa for the local children in surrounding towns. Back in the day he was frequently seen riding around town with his companion Golden Retriever “Rusty”. Most recently seen going for coffee with his side kick Ray Blake. Most importantly he was a family man and took great pride in his children and grandchildren.
A Memorial Mass will be held July 6th, 2013 @ 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Church, 296 Main Street, North Brookfield. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the North Brookfield Emergency Squad, 84 South Main Street , North Brookfield , MA 01535 . J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is directing arrangements for the family.