Jerald Dana Lee, 74, of Mendenhall, died Aug. 16 due to complications of leukemia. He was traveling on vacation with his lifetime partner and wife of 51 years, Virginia.
Jerry was born on April 6, 1939, son of the late James and Mildred Lee.
He grew up on a farm in Abilene, Texas. He graduated from McMurry College in 1961. In 1989, McMurry College gave him the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He also earned his doctorate in physics at Ohio University and had a long and successful career at DuPont. Jerry retired as a DuPont Fellow in 1999, after thirty-three years of service.
Most of that time was spent at the Engineering Physics Lab where he thrived.
Jerry held a lifetime fascination with invention, and was credited with patents for bar code scanning, digital radiography, and fiber optics.
He also enjoyed scientific discussions and was perpetually engaged in solving problems. After retiring, Jerry developed a fast and easy E. coli test for Qualicon, a DuPont subsidiary.
Most people remember Jerry as a quiet man with an amazing mind and a knack for making things. As a teenager, he welded and constructed a radio tower for his father. Later, he would build a cradle for his first daughter while he was still a graduate student. He showed his love of family through his actions.
In later life, Jerry continually reinvented himself. His endless curiosity led him to learn Spanish and the acoustic guitar. Perhaps his favorite hobby in retirement was rollerblading; he skated actively in events throughout Wilmington, Philadelphia, and Miami. He was happiest when he was on wheels, rolling fast.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the medical staff at Christiana Hospital and to all his physicians, especially Dr. Bradley Slease and Dr. Alfred “Brud” Bacon.
He will be greatly missed by his wife and three children – Diana Lee LeClair (and her husband John), Tara, and finally, James (and his wife Stephanie). He is also survived by two grandchildren, Larissa Davidson (and her husband Andrew) and David LeClair. He leaves behind his sister, Gail Bowles (and her husband Terry Bowles), of Abilene, Texas. Jerry is also survived by his brother, J. Spencer Lee, of Santa Barbara, Calif.
Everyone is welcome to visit with his family and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20, and again from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home , 250 West State Street, Kennett Square. His funeral service will follow. Burial will be in Union Hill Cemetery, Kennett Square.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to The Salvation Army, 400 N. Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 or to Christiana Care Health System, 13 Reads Way, Suite 203, New Castle, DE 19720
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...
Comments