Brian Edwin Lee Sr.

Brian Edwin Lee, Sr., age 64, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 11, 2025, at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey. He was born on October 27, 1961, in Cullman, Alabama.

Mr. Lee is preceded in death by his: parents Harold Loyd Lee, Sr. & Lenore Irene (Machulis) Lee; and brother Harold Loyd Lee, Jr. He is survived by his: wife, Catherine Elizabeth (Larsen) Lee; son, Brian Edwin Lee Jr. & Ananda Van den Steen; son, Justin Tyler Lee, daughter, Nicole Marie (Caruso) & James Anasto; grandchildren, Aidan James & Ava Marie Anasto among many extended family members throughout the United States.

Brian grew up in Vinemont, Cullman County, Alabama, where he worked throughout his youth and early adulthood at Lee Ice Company, his family’s ice production and distribution business. He played varsity football for the Warriors and graduated from West Point High School, Class of 1980. That summer he enrolled at Auburn University, and started the animal science degree track with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. During his years at Auburn, Brian created lifelong memories on campus, especially during the college football season at Jordan-Hare stadium. Whether he was watching from the student section or viewing from the sideline as a member of the Auburn scout team, he was always a diehard Tiger’s fan.

In the mid-1980s, Brian relocated to Pass Christian, Mississippi with his father and brother. Together, the three built a beautiful design-build residential home on Bluelake Cove, just three blocks from the Gulf Coast. That home, along with other family properties, were later lost to Hurricane Katrina. During this period, following in his father’s footsteps, Brian initiated with IBEW Local 903 in 1984. He completed his apprenticeship in 1998 and worked as a Journeyman Inside Wireman alongside his father for many years. Their work took them across the country, contributing to major projects including shipbuilding at Ingalls Dockyard and construction at multiple power plants. In 2024, Brian was honored with his 40-year IBEW membership pin in Mississippi.

While traveling for work, Brian was able to support initiatives at Saint Barnabas Hospital as an electrical contractor with his Dad in the early 1990’s. It was during this chapter of his life that he met his future wife, Cathy Larsen. Several years later, the couple returned to the south with Cathy’s daughter, Nicole, and they were married in Mobile, Alabama. They welcomed their first son, Brian Jr. in 1992 and soon returned to New Jersey to raise their family. In 1994, their second son, Justin was born. The family has resided in West Orange, NJ.

In 1992, Brian initiated with IUOE Local 68 and began working at Saint Barnabas Hospital as a Lead Electrician in the Engineering Department. Known affectionately as “Bubba” for his strong Southern accent, Brian served the hospital faithfully for over 30 years of employment. He was also an active union leader, serving as an Executive Board Member from 2014 to 2021.

Brian’s favorite pastimes included hunting deer & birds, fishing, swimming & sunbathing, playing golf, camping, bush hogging, and watching NASCAR after church on Sundays. He was a devoted adult leader for Cub Scout Pack 106 and Boy Scout Troop 6 NNJC, organizations in which both of his sons were members of. Above all, he loved cheering on Auburn football on Saturday nights wherever his travels took him. Brian will be remembered for his warmth, his long stories, and his unforgettable personality.

As a dedicated Born-Again Christian, Brian attended and belonged to several churches throughout his lifetime, including First Baptist Church in Pass Christian, MS; West Essex Baptist Church (now, The Crossing Church) in Livingston, NJ; and several in establishments in Cullman, AL including: 7th Street Baptist Church, Temple Baptist Church and Panama Missionary Baptist Church where he will be laid to rest.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 145 East Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ, with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 7:00PM.

Additional Visitation will take place at Moss-Service Funeral Home, 1901 2nd Ave North West, Cullman, AL, on December 21, 2025, from 1:00PM to 3:00PM, with a Celebration of Life Service at 3:00PM. A Graveside Committal Service will occur at Panama Missionary Baptist Church, 1380 Co Rd 1224, Vinemont, AL, on December 21, 2025, at 4:15PM.