Andrew Lee

Andrew Lee, age 61, of New Philadelphia, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, April 8, 2010 at Prince William Hospital in Manassas, Virginia, while on a business trip, due to complications of chronic illness.Born June 15, 1948 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Frank and Teresa (LaDonne) Lee.Andy graduated from Piscataway High School in 1966, and continued his education at the University of Scranton for two years. He then transferred to the University of Detroit, where he was a member of the Sigma Pi Social Fraternity. There he obtained his bachelors degree in chemical engineering.Andy was very proud of his service in the National Guard, beginning in 1971 in the 1st of the 112th field Artillery Battalion in Morristown, New Jersey through 1983. In 1984, he transferred to the Ohio National Guard 1BN 136th Field Artillery, retiring in 1991 with the rank of Major.On April 14, 1973 in New Jersey, Andy married his devoted wife of nearly 37 years, Barbara Ann (Duchak) Lee. Together, they raised and supported their two children, Jennifer and Joseph Lee, both of New Philadelphia.Andy was a master of many things, but rarely wrote down his knowledge. Instead, he enjoyed entertaining friends and family with random facts, silly stories, and bad jokes. His love for history was immense, he enjoyed his green thumb in the vegetable garden, and was “Mr. Fix It” for many people. It was apparent that Andy was a strong advocate of his children, having rarely missed one of their high school and college sporting events. He also was an assistant wrestling coach alongside his son from 2005-06. Andy enjoyed traveling and preparing his unusual cuisine in the kitchen too.Another passion of Andy’s was collecting American Flyer trains. He was an active member in the American Flyer Association. Other organizations Andy was a member of included the New Philadelphia Rotary Club, B.P.O.E. #510 at New Philadelphia, the former Spanish Christian ministries, and the Tuscarawas Real Estate Investors Association (TuscREIA).Professionally, Andy excelled in the chemical engineering field. He began his employment with Praxair Specialty Gases in 1971, while living in New Jersey. In 1984, he was transferred to Amko Service Company, retiring in 2003. Although retired, he never was one to sit so he reconnected with the company in 2006 as a consultant. He also greatly enjoyed his working relationship from 2003 to 2006 with the Tuscarawas County Information Center.One significant accomplishment in Andy’s professional career included receiving a US Patent.Andy has left his mark on this world and family which includes his wife, Barbara; his children, Jennifer and Joseph Lee; his brother, John (Susan) Lee of Toms River, New Jersey; his sister-in-law; JoAnn (Michael) Kerr of Elberfeld, Indiana; his nephews and niece, Justin and Daniel Lee both of New Jersey and David Kerr and Carla Kidwell, both of Indiana; two great-nephews; and one great-niece. Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins complete his family. Andy will also be deeply missed by his Wednesday night dinner group who has shared weekly meals together for more than 6 years.Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Monday, April 12, 2010 from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday morning. Burial will immediately follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia where the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445 will render military honors. Friends and family are invited to Sacred Heart Cafeteria following the committal service where a meal will be shared. Memorial contributions in Andy’s memory may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.