Richard Benjamin Lee, PhD

In Loving Memory of Richard Benjamin Lee, Ph.D.

Loving husband of 48 years to Sung Ae Lee, Ph.D. and world’s best father to Elizabeth Christine Lee.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Richard Benjamin Lee, Ph.D., who went home to be with the Lord in Heaven on August 4, 2026 after a brave battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Throughout his cancer journey since his AML diagnosis in March 2025, Richard always amazed his family with his resilient spirit rooted in deep faith.

Born on August 18, 1949 in Seoul, South Korea, Richard (Chong Sun) was the beloved son of Hi Kwon Lee (father) and Sang Bok Lee (mother). In 1967, Richard immigrated to USA from South Korea and attended Wayne State University. In 1972, he joined the US army and proudly served during the Vietnam war. After his honorable discharge from the US army, he began his professional career working as an electrical engineer. In 1978, Richard married his true love Sung Ae Lee. Later, they both attended University of Michigan together to earn their PhD degrees in 1986. While his wife Sung earned her PhD in Pharmacology, Richard earned his PhD in electrical engineering and subsequently held various system engineer positions in the defense industry throughout the remainder of his life and received various career awards. Richard also had a love of teaching; he taught electrical engineering courses to graduate students first at Hofstra University, then George Washington University, and finally Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering where he continued to teach ever since 1988. Richard’s motto in life was “Work hard, play hard”. Outside of his work, Richard loved spending quality time with his family. He was happily married to Sung for 48 years, and he was also the world’s most loving father to his precious only child Elizabeth who is currently also pursuing her PhD degree. Richard was also devoted to his Christian faith and loved the Lord with all his heart.

Richard is survived by his wife of 48 years Sung Ae Lee, PhD and his one and only daughter Elizabeth. He is also survived by his siblings Chong Oh Lee, PhD (brother) and Myung Ae Lee, MD (sister).

Richard was truly a unique individual who lived a blessed life guided by God’s almighty love. His colorful personality, sense of humor even in the hardest of times, loving and caring nature, intellectual and hard-working qualities, and strong resolve will all be deeply missed. Funeral and committal services to honor the life of Richard B. Lee, PhD will be held on Friday August 14, 2026.