Lee is survived by his loving wife Bernadette of 62 years. He was blessed with 5 children: Mary Leonard (Steven) of Raleigh, NC, Sean Reilly (Lori) of Matthews, NC, Katherine Petruno (William) of Roxbury, CT, Michael Reilly (Lenore) of Naugatuck, CT and Sheila Anderson (Daniel) of Hartsal, CO.
He was blessed with 10 grandchildren, Matthew, Kyle, Joshua, Courtney, Patrick, Collin, Brian, Daniel, Shannon and Joseph. He was fortunate to have and visit with his 3 great grandchildren, Lucy, John and Luke. He also has two more great grandchildren Baby Slubowski and Baby Anderson that he will look down upon from heaven. He has one sister Maureen Oxelson (Eric) of Madera, CA. There are also several nieces, nephews and a host of in-laws. To say he came from a large family is an understatement. He was a great husband, father, Papa and friend to everyone.
Lee was born and raised in South Buffalo, NY. Lee and Bernie met on a blind date set up by Lee’s sister Maureen. Bernie was 15 and Lee was 19. The girls lied about Bernie’s age because they didn’t think he would date a girl that young. Lee asked Bernie to the college military ball and the rest is history. Lee and Bernie were married in 1962. They then moved to Virginia where Lee was serving as First Lieutenant in the Quarter Master Corp at Ft. Lee Virginia. He had a career in the school bus industry that spanned over 30 years. He finished out his career as co-owner of Phoenix Bus Sales along with his son Sean.
After selling the business in 1996 he decided to pursue other endeavors. Lee took on the job of driving a Danbury city bus. He met a lot of people that he enjoyed driving to their destination. He then revisited his high school job of working in a funeral home. Lee worked at Green Funeral Home, Danbury. He had many positions there but his favorite was working the parking lot. Lee also worked as a school crossing guard. This was very special to him as he loved talking to the children as he helped them cross the street on their way to school.
Lee was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division #3 in Danbury for over 40 years and was voted Danbury Hibernian of the Year in 1991. He served as AOH Connecticut State Chairman of the Freedom for All Ireland Committee from 1985-1989. He was very interested in seeing a united Ireland and took several trips there.
Lee was also a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Brookfield.
Even though we lost a wonderful husband, father, brother, Papa and friend, we can rejoice knowing he touched many lives while he was on this earth. He now resides with his Savior for all eternity.
TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING, IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATH STRAIGHT. Proverbs 3:5-6 .
Funeral services will take place at 11:00am on Monday, November 18, 2024 at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 119 Junction Rd., Brookfield, with the Rev. Michael Anderson, pastor, officiating. Interment will take place following the service at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Brookfield.
The family will receive friends on Monday morning at the church from 10:00am until the time of the service at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial contributions be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org.
