The Life of Mr. William D. Lee Sr.

William D. Lee Sr., born November 5, 1923, was called to heaven on April 5, 2023, in his hundredth year of life at his home with family at his side. Bill was the only son of Fitzhugh and Lillian (Drew) Lee of Bridgeport, CT. He attended the Bridgeport Central High School, Class of 1942. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and was assigned to the Army Corps of Engineers as a member of the combat engineer squad, making the way safe for the advance of friendly troops. Bill was most proud of his service in World War II and would recount his experiences in great detail. He participated in campaigns of Northern France and Germany and received a European-African-Middle Eastern theatre service medal with two bronze stars.
After his honorable discharge, Bill returned and married his high school sweetheart, Anne Lalley, and they moved to New Haven, where Bill attended Yale University School of Fine Art, graduating in 1950.
Bill was a true Renaissance man. His extraordinary talent shone in works of fine and architectural art that can be found throughout the area, including Fairfield University, University of Bridgeport, The Barnum Museum, as well as various public school and government buildings.
Bill's lifelong interest in history was an asset as he served as the Director of America's Bicentennial Celebration in Fairfield. This led to his position as Director of Fairfield's Historical Civic Center at the Burr Mansion. Bill loved working for the people of Fairfield, sharing the town's rich history and expertise of the Revolutionary War whenever the opportunity arose.
After retiring from the town, Bill was honored with the title Historian Emeritus. He moved to Trumbull where he continued to paint and pursue various creative endeavors, including building models of vintage warplanes. Bill was a friend to all, with a quick wit and warm smile. A favorite pastime was hiking in the Housatonic River Valley and at Great Hollow Lake in Monroe.
Bill was predeceased by his wife Anne, a daughter Barbara (George) and grandson Thomas (George). He is survived by his daughter Linda Carlson (Ted), daughter Patricia Rackliffe (John), and his son, William Jr. (Frances). He delighted in his ever-growing family of 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, April 11, at 10:30 AM meeting directly in St. Stephen Church, Trumbull. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Fairfield with Military Honors. To send condolences, visit www.redgatehennessy.com