I think of Lee so often... the huge void he created in so many people's hearts. Life is not fair; Lee brought joy to everyone he met and you could feel his joy whenever he looked at Leigh. They were the soul mates of soul mates and his love will always surround her... the red cardinal that visited her proves that.
My heart is with you Leigh- I miss you so much!

Leigh - -

In reading the beautiful posts from 2022 and beyond, I've received a glimpse of an amazing and magnificent marriage. Your union makes me think of a big, sparkling Disco ball - twirling round and round, eternally spinning, emitting its colorful, magical light everywhere
       🌟🌟🌟                       💙💙💙                🌟🌟🌟

Leigh and Lee - partners in love, partners in life, always.

Love and peace,
Judy Accurso

I can’t believe it’s two years. We will never forget our Ace. We love you!❤️🙏

Thinking of Lee all the time. He’s always in my prayers. One of the funniest people I know who lived life to its fullest. Leigh was the best woman for him..Reba

So many wonderful memories of Lee it’s hard to choose … when he invited me to Leigh’s birthday party in SH as a surprise  for her and picked  me up at the train station and snuck me into the house, and I spent the weekend enjoying his kindness and humor and infinite love of Leigh and the pups; their wonderful Seders where he was the most welcoming host and spoke so beautifully at the table full of loving  and proud comments about Leigh, clearly joyful to be surrounded by family and friends- the more the merrier; his huge smile when he entered a room - always happy - his happiness was contagious; and his infinite love of Leigh which could be clearly seen every time he looked at her… these are just a few of so many wonderful memories both in the City and SH. I love you Lee, and miss you. You are so very much loved and missed not just by your grieving wife, my beloved friend 
Leigh, but by family and friends literally around  the world.
With gratitude and love,
Stephanie 

Missing you Acey Wacey. Missing the light that you glowed on all of us. ❤️

I had just moved back to Brooklyn in 1974 to live with my father and attend Brooklyn College.  Lee lived across the street.  We became fast friends and Lee easily melded in with my new college friends.  He had a fantastic sense of humor and we had many laughs.  We also had a fun experience hitch hiking up and down the California coast in the summer of 1975 or 1976.  Unfortunately we went our separate ways and were out of touch for many years until Lee reached out to reconnect a few years ago.  It was great catching up with him as well as getting together with Adam during one of his Florida visits.  Even though we hadn’t spoken since then, I hold a very special place in my heart for Lee as he was a big part of my life in my late teens and early 20’s.  My condolences to Leigh, Adam and family.  May his memory be a blessing.  

Always a good time with Lee around. He was very devoted to his family and friends, and will be sorely missed.

You are gone but not forgotten, you are always in our hearts. 

We’ll see each other again soon, my friend. 

Lee you were always willing to help and work with others.    Thanks for being you.   You will be missed.

Lee and Leigh’s Wedding…so much love and joy in the air!

Lee was such a good friend.  He’d get on a plane to support and be a part of any important event in his loved ones lives. He showed up with a spirit of fun and adventure. He was so charming, funny, warm and loving…and wise. He was full of joy, loved to laugh, reached out to chat and was fully present. I felt his love. He was magnificent inside and out. 

Dear Leigh - when you celebrated a big birthday, you invited your students from NYHRC into your home in Manhattan to help you celebrate.  Watching your husband in a room full of strangers, all women, he was charming in his ease of mixing with us, all the while watching you.  There is no doubt that he was both delighted and proud to be married to you, and the love in your eyes showed the same.  I'm glad to have seen this in person and witnessed two wonderful people having fun and making joy for those around them.  My condolences on this sad day, but please remember all the good times and let that bring a smile to your lips and peace to your heart.   Forever in my heart.

I knew Lee from the time I spent at East Midwood Jewish Center. I met him at YPS (Young People's Synagogue). He was the kindest soul. I spent many Shabbat afternoons after services at his house and recall his parents Marvin and Gert very fondly (as well as his beloved brother Adam.  I'm sorry I never met his "Bashert", Leigh whom he adored without measure.
Lee had an easy smile and the most positive attitude imaginable.  I met him when he was about 12 (I had just moved to Brooklyn from Elmont - where Lee is buried) and even then I marveled at his resilience.  He already had open heart surgery (with the "zipper" on his chest to prove it), but he would never let that stop him.  He always beat me at basketball  - but then again, he was a head taller than I was.
We connected a few years ago on Facebook after not being in touch for so many years. I will forever cherish our friendship and his memory. Yehi Zichro Baruch. May his memory be a blessing to those who were fortunate to know and love him.

So sad to hear the news.   Lee was a ray of sunshine at the Saratoga. We met over 10+ years ago when he helped me find my apartment.  Lee never failed to check in or share some cheerful words of wisdom.  My friend, you will be forever missed.  Leigh, please accept my condolences for your incredible loss.  Lee was an amazing person.   We will miss him dearly.  

Dear Leigh & Adam and families, I am so saddened to hear about Lee's death.   Lee had recently reached out to me just to say "hi cousin",  a wonderful surprize out of the blue just to keep that family connection.    It has been decades since we've seen each other, but Lee has always made the effort to remind us of our connection through our fathers' (Sid Willig & Marvin) bond of family and friendship.  Lee was the keeper of the SADOA records of our fathers' families and always willing to dig into the stories of that huge family tree.   I have particularly fond memories of spending time with Lee and his family on a few passovers that were filled with loud song and joy.   And, was so privileged to be included in your magical wedding celebration at the Bronx  Botanical Gardens.
May his memory be a blessing.   I will always remember him fondly. 



My heart goes out to the Frankel Family and to Leigh and Adam especially.  Lee, Take the 10! a funny joke between us.  Whether he folded the foil neatly from the square butter or knew when Pea Soup day was his comedy, glass blowing, love for dogs, Franklin, decoration, money clip, full AC at highest power, giving 100 percent, lending a hand, traveling the world, and telling a story like no other.. his presence can always be felt and  his  Neshama.  xoreba

My dear friend,

my heart is aching for you. The first time I saw you and Lee together, I knew that your hearts and souls were joined. True soulmates. I never encountered another couple who loved each other the way you did, with love that grew stronger through the years. When you looked at each other, it was as if no one else was in the room ... the world... just the electricity that emanated from you and lit up the room. That love will never end, it will shine brightly in your heart, in your soul, forever. I loved Lee, his contagious smile and laugh, and Nathaniel did too. He is grief-stricken. We are here for you.

With all my love,

Stephanie

Lee will always be remembered as the guy who saw the glass half full.  His positive (and detailed) take on life’s challenges was refreshing as he was never a complainer,  but more like a “life archivist”.  I always loved him for all the goodness that was in his heart.  We lived like we were very much a part of his life, thanks to him and his unwavering friendship. 
  Ms Leigh…I know the void this leaves in your life and in your soul will seem like an unclimbable mountain.  But you are and always were a strong, independent woman.  Your family and your friends will be there for you like you have always been for Lee.  
Adam, I know the hole in your heart is overwhelming.  I lost my big brother a few years ago.  I loved him like you love Lee. 
Tina has been distraught and unable to process this.  I understand what you all are feeling and I can only remind you that his memory will forever be a blessing.  


One of the most amazing men I have ever met  your light and kindness will be missed by so many  Leigh I know this is hard for you and I am here if you need anything.

Dear Leigh,
I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of your beloved husband.
I remember him from the Better Bones Party and have been grateful for his help on so many of the past virtual Wednesday classes.  I can see him so clearly adjusting the computer so we could do our wonderful classes.  Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss.  Hope to see you soon.
Love, Alice

The beautiful light, laughter and smiles of Lee will never be forgotten. 

Dear Leigh,
My deepest sympathy on such a devastating loss.  I wish you strength at this very difficult time.  May his memory be for a blessing.
Barbara Sims
NYHRC Wed. class

Lee was such a special person.  Our families were part of the East Midwood circle of friends.  Although he was a few years older, I got to know him through my cousins who were close with Lee and Adam.  I always liked spending time with him, and felt like we had a special bond from the old neighborhood.   My sincerest condolences to Leigh and Adam and his entire family.  He will be truly missed! 

So sorry to hear of Lee's passing.

Clarence Baker

Lee was a beloved classmate of ours. Solomon Schechter of Brooklyn class of ‘74. 
We all send our heartfelt sympathy to his wife and family. Lee will be missed by all. May his memory be for a blessing. 

Beach days will never be the same 💔 Grateful for every laugh, story, beach walk and talk.  Sending you all endless love & deepest sympathies. We are with you now and always 🙏🏻❤️.  Cara & Jack 

Our hearts are broken…our deepest heartfelt sympathies to Leigh and the Frankel family.  Deb & Jack

I was sad to see on Facebook that Lee passed away.  I met him in 1980 at Doubleday Publishing Company.  He was a fun loving and caring guy who was a good friend.  My sympathies go out to his wife, brother and family.  He always teased me that I gave my son the same middle name as him.  
Rest in peace Lee.

Darling Leigh,  

This sad news has travelled all the way to us here in Venice, Italy, where I had the great pleasure to meet Lee for the first time in …. I believe 1994 or 1995. 

Lee was one of the absolute funniest men I have ever met.   He had me and my friends in stiches for days on end!!!! I will never forget him prancing up and down the Rialto Bridge steps shouting “Ladies!!!” Like the exercise instructor Simmons.   Never a dull moment!

We were so excited when you married Lee and when you and Lee came all the way over  for our wedding in  Venice in  2005. Again such fun and laughter.

What a brilliant sense of humor….what a lovely man, a wonderful husband, brotherly  brother and above all a great humanitarian .   

Our condolences to you, Lee’s family and friends around the world. 

Please come visit us in Venice soon. Come be our guest. Stay safe and take care. We hope to see you soon. 

Much love, Leslie, Michele and Leo Benzoni 😔😔😔

Leigh -
A few years ago some of the gals from your Better Bones class had a little party in your honor, at your Manhattan apartment. Lee was there, and he expressed, so earnestly, his love for you, and your love for us, your students.  His love, his devotion, his sincerity,  his vitality -- all of these qualities just radiated from him on that lovely day. Thinking of you and your family today, as you celebrate a life well-lived, and a marriage full of love.

Cynthia and I are so saddened by the news.  Lee was a good friend to everyone.  A great person who just loved life and lived it well.  He and Leigh were our neighbors at the Saratoga in NYC for 20 years.  We often chatted about everything possible while he walked the dogs.  Our daughters called him Uncle Lee and were always greeted with a hug from him whenever they saw him.  He called them on their birthdays.  He was that special Human being that we all strive to be.  Rest well my friend.  Take the dogs for a walk and we will meet again. 

Will miss you so much.   You loved life and lived it well.   Your started every holiday thanking your beautiful Leigh for making it so special.    We will take care of her now.

Beaches will always be remembered by your “trifecta”, swim - snooze-shower.   Just one of the many happy times shared with you.  

Adam, Robin, Max and Gabe, such a great loss.   Brother and dear uncle.   

Great friend to so many.    Rest In Peace my dear friend.    


It is with so much sadness that we are saying goodbye to our Lee. He was everyone’s best guy. His kindness, warmth, friendship, loyalty and love will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace dearest Acey Wacy

Lee Frankel Loved his Leigh , Loved  to Laugh & Loved to make others Laugh ! Thank you for the gift of your friendship ! You will be missed ! You made everything around you a better place because you were in it ! 
Weze 

It says above, "Fond memories . . . may be shared". Where do I begin? There are hundreds of fond memories with my friend Lee, or "LF" as I would often call him. Started with summers in the Hamptons, then extensive travel in Europe together, afternoons on Vince's boat, skydiving together, dinners at Peter Luger's, and about 500 other things not all of which I can quickly recall now. 

Here's a picture of us about to take a sightseeing trip from Bergen, Norway of the Norwegian fjords in the Summer of 1994. 

I'm going to miss my dear friend, more than I can imagine.

Close Friends are truly one of Life's Greatest Treasures

George and I were blessed to have our weekend together in October. We laughed, shared food and stories of family, travels, Lee and my trip to Indonesia together in 1990 and everything else. I will miss you, my beloved punk. You were the best of the Frankels. Give my love to Marvin and Gert who I know have been watching over you with pride at the man you became.

Sending all of my love and strength to Lee’s dearest Leigh. 

You can into my life only about 14 years ago. There was an instant friendship. It was like we knew each other forever. Don’t worry, Merri and I will watch over Leigh! Till we meet again my friend 

I will miss you my friend. You had a larger than life presence and the Saratoga will never be the same without you. Leigh please accept my condolences

A pure soul. Unlike anyone else we have ever met. He lived every moment to share joy and comfort with others. Our hearts break and all our love goes out to his precious Leigh.
Jon snd Renee

The love of my life,Lee. With my entire being, I have loved him more than anyone could love another. He was my knight in shining armor and the biggest light of my life. Please Rest In Peace.
I’ll be with you again when the Almighty calls me home. Love you love you love you. 
Your devoted wife and your best friend ever, 
Leigh Ann ❤️

OBITUARY

Lee Marshall Frankel

May 27, 1956 – February 13, 2022

Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapels

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