Mr. Charles H. Lee

Born June 23, 1924 in West Rutland, Vermont. Passed away peacefully at his home on April 13, 2014. Chuck is survived by his special love, wife Patricia, of 69 years. He is also survived by loving children Bethanne (Marty) and Steve (LeeAnne), granddaughters Karen (Sky) Boulton and Katie (Chris) Layman, four great-grandchildren, Maximus and Emma Boulton and Kara and Kamryn Layman. He cherished them with his love and poetry. Chuck is survived by his brother-in-law Jim Skinner (Connie- deceased), sister Shirle De Serio (Mike), brother George Lee (deceased) as well as many loving nieces and nephews, especially Diane (Jim), Nancy (Matt), and Jim (Becky). Chuck was a 32 year veteran of the San Francisco Fire Department. He retired as a Battalion Chief, Director of Training and assisted in training over 1,000 newly appointed firefighters. Chuck loved his job, especially Stations 6 and 7. He taught Fire Science at San Francisco City College for over 28 years and obtained a Masters Teaching Credential in 1975. Chuck was a member of Local 798, Firefighters Union, Retired Widows and Orphans, and Retired City and County Employees Association. Chuck was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy. He earned 11 Battle Stars in the South Pacific. He served on the destroyer, U.S.S. Lang, (DD-399) and participated in battles from Guadalcanal to Okinawa. Chuck was a survivor of the infamous "Kamikaze" attacks at Okinawa. Chuck was a member of The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tin-Can Sailors, U.S. Navy Memorial, and World War II Memorial. Chuck was a world traveler with his travel-happy wife, Patricia. He was a long-time subscriber to A.C.T., Berkeley Rep, Best of Broadway, Opera, and the Symphony. He also enjoyed the Irish Historical Group. Chuck wrote many poems for family and friends. Chuck met Patricia in September 1942 in San Francisco at a U.S.O., and they spent many wonderful years together. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was proud to assist many young people during his life. He will miss his lunchtime good friend Jack Sherratt, a fellow firefighter. For his special love he leaves poems and other thoughts of his fantastic wartime romance that remained so strong over the years. Friends may visit on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 4:00PM and are invited to attend the Vigil Service also on Tuesday at 6:00PM. The Funeral Liturgy will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 10:00AM. All services will be held at the chapels of Valente Marini Perata & Co., 4840 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94112. Committal to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1500 Mission Road, Colma, CA. Donations in Chuck's memory may be made to the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation FEIN 56-2608686, 1139 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 or to the charity of your choice. Online condolence may be offered at www.vmpandco.com.

Mr. Charles H. Lee

June 23, 1924 - April 13, 2014