Harry L. Lee
Harry L. Lee, 96, of Washington, died peacefully on Monday, September 13, 2021, He was the son of the late H. Lester Lee and Florence Lee of Cross Creek.
Harry was the beloved husband of the late Beatrice Comito Lee of Washington; brother to Lois Cowden of Avella, Jean Russell of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and the late Ann Sullivan, late James Lee, and late Mary Gresser all of Ohio.
He was the cherished father to Donald Lee (Lorraine) of Valencia; grandfather to Mara Lee of Charlotte, N.C., and Craig Lee (Amanda) of Chapel Hill, N.C.; and great-grandfather to Bennett Irene Lee of Chapel Hill, N.C..
Mr. Lee graduated from Hickory High School in 1942. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1942 – 1945, where he earned the rank of Tech Sergeant.
Harry served in World War II in the VMB-612 Rocket Squadron as a navigator / bombardier on Marine B-25’s that flew missions in the Pacific Sector. While serving he proudly was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal with two Gold Stars. He remained active with his WWII brethren over the years helping to organize reunions and tributes to the VMB 612 fallen colleagues. He is a member of the Marine Corps Association and the Marine Corps League of Washington County.
Mr. Lee was a proud member of several Masonic Organizations. The Richard Vaux Lodge #454 of Burgettstown, where he served as Master in 1970 and 1999, and the Scottish Rite 32nd Degree Mason in the Valley of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Lee was also a member of the Washington-Greene County Caravan 2, where he served as a President in 2012 and Secretary from 2006 -2018 as well as a member of the Three Rivers Hillbilly Clan #53. He was also a member of the Syria Shrine of Pittsburgh for 58 years, a member of the Knights of Mecca and a member of the Syria Shrine Horse Patrol for 30+ years.
During his lifetime, Harry was a diesel mechanic, owned and drove a Diamond Rio tractor trailer, worked as a sales agent for Somerville Equipment, Bull International Farm Equipment, C. Powell Chevrolet, and Prudential Insurance, all in Washington.
Harry and his wife Beatrice lived on the Maple Lee Farm on Brush Run Road, Washington, for over 50 years where they raised Quarter Horses and Dalmatians, and together operated a Shaklee Products business.
Mr. Lee was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and also managed Quarter Horse Shows. Harry and Beatrice were former members of the Third United Presbyterian Church of Washington, where Mr. Lee served as Elder for several years.
His friendliness, enthusiasm for life, and positive spirit will be missed by all.
The family will receive friends 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 17, in William G. Neal Funeral Home, with a Marine Corps League service at 6:30 p.m. and a Masonic Service at 7:30 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 18, with Pastor Fran Skariot. Interment will follow in Cross Creek Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Marine Corps League Washington County – Detachment 1138, P.O. Box 137, Washington, PA 15301.
Arrangements have been entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd, 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.
Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com