Reginald Joseph Lee

Reginald Joseph Lee, “Reggie”, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the age of 93. Born December 30, 1929 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Reggie was the only child of Katherine (Miller) and Reginald G Lee. From a young age, he was a natural athlete. At Atlantic City High School, he excelled in baseball and basketball, lettering three years in basketball and four years in baseball while serving as captain his senior year. In 1994, he was inducted in the Atlantic City High School Athletic Hall of Fame, one of 25 student athletes selected for the inaugural class. Reggie was also a gifted pool and darts player, owing to Saturday afternoons spent with his father at an Irish pub (where, as a boy, he was allowed to have a beer since a doctor suggested it would help him gain weight). 

After high school, Reggie attended Seton Hall University, where he lettered in basketball and in baseball, serving as captain his senior year. Two weeks after his college graduation, he was called for active duty in the Navy. During boot camp, Reggie was asked to try out for the baseball team at the Bainbridge Naval Training Center and earned a spot as the starting shortstop. Once he was discharged, Reggie signed a contract to play starting shortstop for the Lancaster Red Roses, the minor league team affiliated with the Philadelphia Athletics.

Reggie met the love of his life, Toni Rapetti, on the Atlantic City beach in the summer of 1957. They were married in 1958 and eventually moved to suburban Philadelphia to raise their family, daughters Cindy and Patti, and their dog Skippy. Reggie spent his career at DuBois Chemicals as a commission-only salesman, rising to regional manager.  

Upon retiring, he stayed in suburban Philadelphia, where he could see his family often and root for his beloved Phillies and Eagles. He was a devout Catholic and a long-time parishioner at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. Reggie was an avid golfer well into his 80s and a member of Hershey’s Mill Golf Club. 

Anytime there was a household project: plumbing, repairs, painting, and especially carpentry, Reggie was the man to call, with skills learned at the side of his grandfather. He loved helping his family and friends with the right tools, lots of knowledge and a smile. Speaking of family, he was a fabulous grandfather, attending every important game, performance, and graduation. Almost a year ago, he was delighted to become a great-grandfather. 

Music was a big part of Reggie’s life, especially his favorite, jazz. He was a self-taught drummer who could often be found tapping along to a tune with whatever makeshift drumsticks were within reach. He loved to dance at parties, and into his later years he kept up with his daughters and granddaughter on the dance floor! 

Reggie was predeceased by wife of 24 years, Toni. He is survived by daughter Cindy Feinstein (Mark), daughter Patti Lee, granddaughter Elaine Lewis (Josh), grandson Eric Feinstein and great-granddaughter Nora Lewis.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 9:30 AM to 10:20 AM Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 1325 Boot Rd, West Chester, PA 19380, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Interment is private. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/