Robert E. Lee, 86, of Chicopee, MA beloved husband of 64 years to Betty Ann (Matchett) Lee passed away peacefully at Baystate Medical Center on December 13th, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones. Robert was born on February 4th, 1933 in Springfield, MA and was predeceased by his parents Robert and wife Lily (Toelken) Lee, and older brother George.
Robert graduated from Springfield Technical High School in 1951 before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1952. He proudly served for 20 years as a Communication Center Supervisor, retiring in 1972 with the rank of Master Sergeant. He was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Vietnam Service medal, numerous Good Conduct medals, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon, multiple Air Force Longevity Service awards, two Air Force Commendation medals, and the Nation Defense Service medal. Robert then went on to Colorado to work for Mountain Bell in 1972 and retired from Bell Atlantic in Massachusetts after 20 years as a Building Equipment Manager.
Robert is survived by his children Stephen (Kathy Miles), Doretta J. Schmidt, and Judith A. (Alan) Shia. He is also survived by granddaughters Alexis, Morgan, and Diana Shia, Megan (Jeff) Rousseau, great-granddaughters Taylor and Alison Rousseau, younger brother Richard, brother-in-law William Matchett Jr. (Colleen), and nephews Robert (Debbie) Lee and William Matchett III (Corinne). Robert was best known for his love of fishing, spending time with family and was loved by everyone.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 20, 2019 with Calling Hours from 10am-12pm at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Springfield followed by a Memorial Service at 12pm and proceeding to Island Pond Cemetery, Ludlow for burial with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or online at www.cancer.org. For donation acknowledgments, please use: bal34@aol.com.
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