Michael Edward Lee, 70, of Franklin died April 1 in Brigham & Women’s Hospital. He was the husband of Gary Thies.
Born in Mount Vernon, Illinois, November 13, 1949, the son of the late Edward and Wanda (Porter) Lee, Mr. Lee had been a resident of Franklin for many years.
Prior to his retirement, Michael had been a professional musician and later became a successful software executive.
In high school Michael excelled at playing trumpet and delighted in adding a high C to the end of the band’s rendition of the U.S. National Anthem whenever he could. Michael eventually gave up playing the trumpet when he discovered he could sing a better high C than play one.
Michael subsequently sang professionally in both Europe and North America. In particular, he was noted for his operatic portrayals of Rodolfo in Puccini’s “La Boheme,” Pinkerton in “Madama Butterfly,” and Cavaradossi in “Tosca.”
In his free time, Michael enjoyed restoring antique cars, flying private planes, and sailing his boat Tosca along the New England coast.
In addition to his husband he is survived by his sister Mary Ann Wise of Evansville, Indiana.
He was the brother of the late Jim Scott, Jean Scott, and Joe Scott, as well as late sister Nora Scott Collins.
At the families’ request service will be private with a celebration of Michael’s life to be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).