Thomas Lee

Thomas Thoon Lee, 74, of Silver Spring, Maryland, passed away unexpectedly on October 17, 2024, at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center. Tom was born on October 23, 1949, in Guangdong province, Taishan County, China, to Philip Hong Lee and Wong Ngan Fung. At the age of five, Tom moved with his mother to join his father in Washington, DC. Following graduation from Northwestern High School, Tom enlisted in the Army from 1969-1972 and served in Vietnam.

Upon his return from the war, Tom completed his postsecondary education at the University of Maryland, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He then embarked on a 30+ year career as a contractor providing computer and telecommunication engineer support for the Department of Defense.

During his childhood, Tom loved spending time in Washington DC's Chinatown and was very involved with the Chinese Youth Club (CYC), an association which he maintained for the rest of his life. Tom particularly enjoyed playing 9-men volleyball and being an active member of the prestigious Lion Dance club. Tom's greatest pride and deepest joy came from sharing his roots in the Chinese Community with his son, Phillip. Together, for over 20 years, they both promoted and participated in the authentic activities of their cultural heritage. After Tom's declining health began to restrict his movements, he could still be found supporting CYC from the sidelines as Phillip continued to perform in the ancient Lion Dance ritual. This is often the highlight of Washington DC's annual Chinese New Year celebration and other special occasions to spread good luck throughout the DMV (DC, MD, VA) region.

Tom was a devoted family man who loved to cook, and grilled steaks no matter how cold the weather was. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Elizabeth, their adored son, Phillip, a brother-in-law, Chung Yip, and two nieces, Winnie Yip and Irene Yip. Tom's sister, King Y. Lee, predeceased him.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held on October 27, 2024, at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Visitation will take place from 12:00PM-1:00PM followed by a service from 1:00PM-2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Tom's name to CYC Lion Dance, by check via U.S. mail to Chinese Youth Club (CYC), Attn: Lion Dance Team, 10410 Montgomery Avenue, Kensington, MD, 20895; or by PayPal and Venmo @washingtoncyc, and please add to notes “in memoriam of Tom Lee”.