Lee Bottari Sierra Sr.

Lee Bottari Sierra Sr., affectionately known as “Coach,” passed away peacefully at home on March 29, 2026. A lifelong Tampa resident, Lee was a beloved fixture in the community he proudly called home for 75 years.

After graduating from H.B. Plant High School and the University of South Florida, Lee began a distinguished 30 year career with GTE. His success and leadership led him to the role of National Account Manager for the Caribbean territory. Even after “retiring,” Lee remained active as a mortgage broker where his natural talent, competitive spirit, and love of closing a deal kept him fully engaged right up until the end.

Lee devoted much of his life to service, sports, and community involvement. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout through Troop 4, he remained deeply connected to the Boy Scouts of America and Troop 4, most recently celebrating the groundbreaking of the troop’s new Scout Hut. He was a proud member of the Tampa Elks Lodge 708, the University Club, and the Tampa Yacht and Country Club. Lee also served as President of the Merrymakers Club and was a long time member of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, where he was proud to serve on the Gunners Guild and Gaspar’s Grenadiers.

An avid sports fan, Lee was a Tampa Bay Buccaneers season ticket holder since before their inaugural season; he rarely missed the chance to support the Bucs, the New York Yankees, or the Tampa Bay Lightning. His love of sports extended beyond being a fan, he devoted more than 30 years to coaching and leadership roles with Bayshore and Tampa Bay Little Leagues, serving as President of both leagues, coached at Palma Ceia Little League and H.B. Plant High School, and most recently never missed a game or practice during his granddaughter Leia’s first two seasons of tee ball.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Ines and Albert John Sierra Sr.; his brother, Albert John Sierra Jr.; and his partner of 26 years, Diana Kilman Gold.

He is survived by his son, L.B. Sierra Jr. (Bryce Alley); his treasured granddaughter, Leia Sierra; his niece, Suzanne Sierra; his nephew, Albert John Sierra III (Araceli); and his great nephews, Albert John IV and Anthony Luis Sierra.

A service will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 28, at 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Merrymakers Club. In tribute to Coach, all Past Presidents are asked to wear their medallions to both the service and the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Troop 4 through Friends of 4 Tampa, Inc., honoring Lee’s enduring legacy of leadership, service, and dedication to mentoring youth.

🌐 https://friendsof4.com/