Richard Lee, 58, Medford

Photo courtesy Maureen Crowley Smith, sister of Richie Lee, and Susan Crowley, Lee’s niece.

Richard Lee, Director of Budget, Finance and Personnel for the City of Medford died at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Tuesday, December 28th after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 58.

Richard was born in Medford, the son of the late Maurice “Mike” and Ruth (Ellsworth) Lee. He graduated from Christopher Columbus High School, and then went on to Merrimac College where he earned a degree in political science. He served the as executive director of the CETA Program in Medford until becoming Medford’s Assistant City Manager in 1982 under the late John Ghiloni. Richard succeeded Mr. Ghiloni as Manager in 1985 and led the city until the form of government changed several years later. He was appointed Director of Budget, Finance and Personnel under Mayor Michael McGlynn. He served in that capacity until his death and was regarded as the finest and most able administrator Medford has ever had.

While Richard’s professional accomplishments are noteworthy and exceptional, he was moreover a devoted family man and friend. He was a loving husband and devoted and proud father, present at every milestone in his children’s lives. He enjoyed the company of his siblings and their families and was a great and loyal friend to many. Richard was a man of deep and persevering faith who was active in his parish serving there as a Lector. He was a member of Medford’s Rotary Club and among other distinctions was counted among the nation’s Outstanding Catholic School Graduates in 1988.

He leaves his wife Cheryle “Sherry” (Doucett) Lee and children: Meghan, Andrew and Michael Lee all of Medford. He was a dear brother to Maureen Crowley Smith of Medford, Nancy Wallace, of Medford, Michael Lee and his wife Rita of Ware, Edward Lee and his wife Elaine of Medford, John Lee of Lexington, James Lee and his wife Eileen of Medford and Dennis Lee and his wife Lori of Reading. He was the son-in-law of J. Edward and Gloria Doucett of Brockton.

A funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, January 4th at 10 AM in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West, Medford. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Monday from 3 – 9. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the Boston Higashi School for Autism, 800 North Main St., Randolph, MA 02368 or to St. St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

– Obituary from Dello Russo Funeral Service