Dean Lee

Born February 17, 1937 at Chilren's Hospital in San Francisco, CA, the only child of George Wah Gin Lee and Mary Ng Lee.

Attended Old St. Mary's Chinese Mission Grammar School on Stockton St. in San Francisco's Chinatown. Transferred after the 6th grade to Marina Jr HS followed by graduation from Washington HS.

After graduation enlisted in the US Navy and attended Boot Camp in San Diego, CA. While in Boot Camp was Baptized in the Catholic church on a Friday afternoon, Godparents Bobby and May Soo Hoo of San Francisco. Baptismal name Frances, patron saint of animals. Received 1st Communion that Saturday and confirmed by the Bishop Sunday evening at cathedral in San Diego with the name of John.

Attended Naval Airman's School in Norman, OK, followed by Naval Ordnanceman's school in Jacksonville, FL. Assigned to VFP-62 Photographic Squadron at Naval Air Station in Jacksonville as an Ordanceman/Parachute Rigger responsible for the pilot's survival gear, oxygen systems, parachutes and weapons.

While attached to VFP-62 served aboard the first super aircraft carrier, USS Forrestal (CVA-59) on its shakedown cruise and maiden voyage to the Mediterranean. While at liberty in Cannes, France, all hands were immediately ordered back aboard ship and the carrier set sail at flank speed for the coast of Lebanon, where fighting had broken out. In the rush several crewmembers including the ship’s finance officer were left attempting to catch the ship aboard civilian craft. The ship did not slow down for them and they had to rejoin later. None were missed more than the finance officer as pay day was approaching.

After Lebanon the Forrestal was dispatched through the Suez Canal to the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean to patrol off the coast of Formosa against possible attack from Mainland China. We eventually returned to Florida.

The squadron was then transferred to Naval Air Station Cecil Field, also in Jacksonville. This was followed by another cruise aboard the USS Essex (CVA-9), the last of the Navy’s wooden deck aircraft carriers.

Upon discharge from the Navy went to work for United Press International, a wire service that gathered news and pictures. Began as a Telephoto Operator, Bureau Assistant and eventually Night Photo Editor in their Washington, DC Bureau.

Married Mai Lon Ng, a registered nurse of Savannah, GA in the city’s St. John the Baptist Cathedral on September 25, 1960 and blessed with one son, Michael Dean Lee born July 18, 1975.

Mai Lon attended the Warren Candler School of Nursing and was the first and only student of Chinese descent to graduate. Upon graduation she worked for the Red Cross in Savannah and later Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, DC, in the Surgical ICU. Among her patients were officers, generals, diplomats and heads of state.

After 15 years with UPI was released as part of a “staff reduction” following the first wire service strike in history.

Obtained a position with the Associated Press Washington Bureau as a Night Photo Editor. Promoted to Assignment Editor and then NewsPhoto Editor responsible for assigning photographers to news events in the Nation’s Capital, the White House, State Department and the US Capitol. Also assigned to Republican and Democratic National Conventions as Special Request Editor responsible for member newspaper, magazine and television photographic requests. Later transferred to the State Photo Center as a State Photo Editor responsible for editing member newspaper contributions of news and sports photos to the AP Report. Retired in September 1999 after 25 years of service.

During 40 years with the “wires” covered the inaugurations and administrations of nine presidents, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagon, George H. Bush, and William J. Clinton. Republican and Democratic National Conventions, Presidential and economic summits, All-Star Games, National disasters, Civil Rights demonstrations, Congressional hearings and sporting events.

Retired to live in Richmond Hill, GA, just outside Savannah and active in the Chinese Benevolent Association of Greater Savannah, Generation One and Smart Senior. A member of St. Ann’s Catholic church in Richmond Hill.

In September 2024, Dean moved back to Northern Virginia to be closer to family. He is survived by his wife, Mai Lon, beloved son, Michael and cherished grandson Gidean.

No services are planned. Dean's wishes were to be buried at sea by the US Navy. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Salvation Army or St. Mary's School in San Francisco Chinatown.