John Stuart Lee, Jr.

“Manners maketh man”

My father was the man to listen. He was humble, simple and easy going. He never complained, he went with the natural flow of life; so unbothered and relaxed. He loved riding his Harley across the tri state area for hours enjoying the scenery and living the bike life. His size was intimidating, but his gentle smile was inviting. He was more quiet than most, but his presence was known. You could talk with him for hours and he would just listen in silence. My father was the man to love. His bear hugs were comforting, his hand was big enough to wrap around a football, his arms big enough to wrap around two people, and his strength was unnatural. He could fix anything, make anything, and drive anything. He always knew exactly what to do to fix any problem or handle any situation that I wasn’t sure about. 

My father was the husband that dedicated his life to his family. He went along with anything my mom wanted because her ultimate happiness was his happiness. He was the man that just gave my mom a look and you just knew how much he loved her. Being blessed with watching a love story like theirs made me want to emulate them and find the same type of love, and through that is what lead me to find my heart and soul at such a young age.  He was my mom’s soulmate and her life is now changed forever. 

My father was the dad who taught me everything, the one I went to for help, the one that cancelled his plans or dropped what he was doing wherever he was to come and save me even if it was in the middle of the night. He attended every sport event, every game I played, every award ceremony, and every milestone in my career. He refused to miss anything. He cheered me on as if I was his hero. In all reality, he was mine and now my life has changed forever. 

My father was the grandfather that wanted to be apart of every second of my son’s life. He waited in the hospital for numerous hours while awaiting the birth of his grandson. There is nothing he wanted more in this world than to be a grandfather. The day we told him was one of the happiest days of my life. He threw me in the air with ease as if I was his little boy again. The moment I ran out of the delivery room to tell him I had a son, he screamed and cheered. The moment I placed my son in my father’s arms and told him to meet his grandson, Johnny, he smiled as tears ran down his face. He kissed my son and hugged me tight. I realized at that exact moment how much a parent loves their child. It has been a rewarding experience to watch him build the relationship he has with my son. Nothing made him happier than seeing my son run into his big arms and tell him how much he loves his “Big Pop”.  They did everything together, just like my dad did with me.  My son’s life, now, has changed forever. 

I want to extend my gratitude to everyone regarding the passing of my father. This has been the most excruciating pain we have ever felt.  For the first time in my life, I fell to my knees begging God for help. Our lives have turned for the worse , and I am unsure how to process and accept this transition. Please hold your parents close and cherish every second because at any given moment, your life changes forever. We lost the best man I have ever known; our hero.

Dad, it has been an honor to be your son. You showed me the true meaning of life; how to be a man, a husband to Lisa, and a father and daddy to our Johnny. Until we meet again, please watch over us, protect our boy, guide him along the way, and show him that your spirit is still alive in his precious heart. We will take care of mom and allow your legacy and memory to live on.  I love you and I will miss you forever.

John's life celebration of life memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 12th at 3:00 pm, William D. Oxley Post 133, 4637 Decatur Street, Philadelphia 19136, Luncheon immediately following service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart Association and/or Stars and Stripes, Bars and Pipes Organization. 

If you would like to bring a dish, please message me.