Richard "Dick" Edward Lee

On Sunday April 12, 2026, the love of my life and best friend Richard Edward Lee “Dick” went to the Lord. Richard was born in Utica, NY on August 22, 1935, son of the late, Edward and Julia Calogero Lee. On May 11, 1963, Richard and Joan Papa were united in marriage. A union of almost 63 years, at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church in Utica, NY.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Carmen and his wife, Aline, Deacon John Lee; sisters, Josephine “Jobe” Kilburn and Edwina “Cindy” Fitzpatrick and her husband, Robert; in-laws, Carmen and Gladys Papa, Frank Leo and Nick Rovou.

He is survived by his two sons, Richard and his partner, Dana Wolfe, & Mark Lee and his wife, Meredith; two daughters, Dawn Edmond, and Joan Williams and her husband, David; sisters, Kay Broccoli and her husband, Donald, Theresa Aliesso and her husband Robert, and Rosalind “Roz” Lee; brother, David Lia; grandchildren, Kyle, Daniel, Zachary, Lindsey, Hannah and Justin; sisters-in-law, Barbara Lee, Janet Leo and Janice Rovou Joseph; brother-in-law, Fred Kilburn; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Dick graduated from Proctor High School in Utica, NY. After graduating he first started working for his uncle, helping him install hard wood flooring. He was later employed for many years with, St. Elizabeth Hospital until his retirement in 2003 when he and I moved to Myrtle Beach, SC. He then worked with Indigo Creek Golf Club and River Oaks Golf Club.

He loved to cook, and he made the best Italian bread. He was a master of all trades, a kind and gentle person, and all around a fun, loving guy who got along with everyone. He was the best husband, father and grandfather, who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

“I wish my tears could bring him back----love you forever, wait for me. Until we meet again. Love You!”

His family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital and Grand Strand Regional Medical Center for the exceptional care they provided.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3558 Old Kings Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be made in Dick’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Condolences may be made at www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.

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