Fred K.C. Li

Fred K.C. Li , 84, of Riverside CT, passed away peacefully at Nathaniel Witherell in Greenwich on August 25, 2012 in the company of his beloved children. Born on Nov. 9th, 1927 to Guo Wei Li and Mou Wen Yung in Wuxi China; he was the 4th son of 12 children. Fred moved to the United States in 1948 where he attended Rensselear Polytechnic Instutite graduating with degree in Chemical Engineering in 1952. There he met his beloved wife of 50 years, Margaret, who predeceased him. The two raised three children, Fred Jr., Christine and David, in NYC and its suburbs, before moving to Greenwich in 1973.

Fred's career started with various industrial chemical companies before joining and co-managing HLK Services Limited, a family run engineering and procurement company, founded by his brother Michael Lee, which is involved in international construction projects and supply of US products to Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and India. Fred was a strong believer in family-operated business and his son, Fred Jr., continues to manage HLK Services today.

Several years after Margaret had passed away, Fred rekindled his relationship with his former high school sweetheart and life-long friend, Lilian Lee, herself widowed, for what would be the last the eight years of his life. In 2006, Fred was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and Lilian took on the daunting challenge of this battle with him by her side - she has been a blessing for him and his family.

Fred was an avid international traveler and always one to initiate a friendly conversation with perfect strangers. He also enjoyed skiing and golf as a member of Burning Tree Country Club for many years. However his real passion was playing the stock market for which he had a unique ability to ride on the emotional highs of a good market, yet simply shrugged off the depression of the bad markets - an eternal optimist you might say.

Fred is survived by his three children and six grandchildren of Riverside and Cos Cob CT. Visitation hours will be from 4 to 8pm on Thursday, Sept. 13th at Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home, 31 Arch St., in Greenwich, and a funeral service will be held at 10am on Sept. 14th at the Second Congregational Church in Greenwich. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Nathaniel Witherell in Greenwich. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.leopgallaghergreenwich.com