Lee S. Daniels, age 93, compassionate and fun-loving passed away peacefully on January 17, 2018, surrounded by his family. Devoted and adored husband of Joan (Levine), his wife of 55 years. Loving father to his children; Sara Greenfield, Grover Daniels II (Starr), Adam Daniels, Wendi Daniels, Scott Daniels (Marla) and Melissa Madden (Rob). Treasured grandfather to Jake, Aaron, Lauren, Sam, Julie, Hannah, Ellie, Matthew, Ben, Nate, and his great-grandson Hunter - whose sports events, weddings, theater performances, festive dinners, numerous phone calls, and frequent trips to research ice cream flavors he enjoyed immeasurably.
Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, Lee remained a life-long resident. A graduate of Brookline High School. Lee served in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific as the Navigator and Stores Officer aboard the LST841. Upon returning from war, Lee graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1948 with a degree in Printing Management.
The 3rd generation owner of Daniels Printing founded in Boston in 1882 by his grandfather Abraham which, under Lee's stewardship, earned a reputation for the highest quality premium color printing in the East. Over the years, Lee occupied every role at the firm from General Manager to Treasurer and eventually Chairman, succeeding his father Grover in 1966.
The beloved and affable President of Daniels Printing for over 40 years, Lee cared for his employees. Lee considered Daniels Printing his extended family and took a genuine interest in everyone's lives as evidenced by his "open door policy". Many of Lee's employees fondly remember him as an inspiring leader and mentor.
For decades, Lee was instrumental in producing International Paper's Pocket Pal® long considered the Bible of graphic arts and attributed to teaching more people about printing than any other source. First published in 1934, Lee worked with Pocket Pal's longtime editor, Mike Bruno from 1967 thru the 18th edition in 1980. Lee won the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Award in 1978 for Distinguished Service in the Graphic Arts, from The Printing and Publishing Council of New England. In 2006, Merrill Corporation acquired Daniels Printing.
Lee's other affiliations included: Life-long member of Belmont Country Club, where he served on the Board of Governors; Brandeis University's President's Council, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute serving as Trustee for 35 years. Well into his 80's, Lee participated wholeheartedly in the annual Boston Marathon, Jimmy Fund Walk, raising money for Cancer Research.
Lee was a die-hard New England Patriots fan and season ticket holder from the early days at Schaefer Stadium. His steadfast devotion to family, business and friends will be deeply missed. But it is Lee's sense of humor, humility, easy going way and a huge loving heart that will leave an indelible impression. Lee led life by example, and all who knew him are better for it.
Services will be at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Avenue, Boston (parking on the Riverway) on Tuesday, January 22 at 11:30am. Burial at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon. Following burial, memorial observance will be at his late residence until 4:00pm and continuing 7-9:00pm and on Wednesday from 1-4:00pm and 7-9:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-5450.
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