Thomas E. “Pop-Pop” Lee, Jr., 86, of Downingtown, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at his home in Simpson Meadows, Downingtown, with his family by his side.

He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara Ann Lee who passed away in 1997. Born in West Chester and raised in the West Ward of Downingtown, he was the son of the late Thomas E. Lee, Sr. and Dorothy (Phillips) Lee.

Tom graduated from Downingtown High School in 1956, where he was an offensive lineman for the Whippets football team.

He became an active volunteer firefighter at Alert on June 28, 1954, serving a total of 70 years at the time of his passing. He played a major role in the company and held every Active Force officer position over the 70 years. They included, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Fire Chief and two term Fire Chief of the Downingtown Fire Dept. 1975-77 and 1981-83. Additionally, he was President 1969-74 and Treasurer 1985-2006 (21 years). Plus, Vice President and President of the Downingtown Firemen’s Relief Association. Tom was awarded his Lifetime Membership of Alert on January 31, 1976.

In 1958, Tom joined the United States Navy. After serving our country, he dedicated his life to volunteering and becoming a mentor for the members of the Downingtown Fire Dept. He had a great wealth of knowledge of firefighting and was involved with all aspects of training. Tom was also Vice President of the Chester County Firemen’s Association; Life Member, Past Vice President, President and Treasurer for 18 years (2000-2018) of the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association, where he was still active by serving on a newly formed Historical Committee. Tom was a member of the Eastern Lancaster Gun Club and enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with Barb at Rehoboth Beach and later in life, researching his family genealogy.

Mr. Lee worked as a manager at Automatic Timing Controls, for over 30 years. He retired from Halprin Supply Co./Northeast Fire Apparatus (now MES) as an Inside Sales Coordinator, after 11 years.

He is survived by his children Robert E. Lee (Mary), Thomas E. Lee III (Susan), Teresa Louise Rich (John) and Shari Lynn McIntyre (Scott); six grandchildren Thomas IV and Chris Lee, Andy and Michael McIntyre, Danny and Laura Rich; five great grandchildren Paige Cannon, Eddie and Maddie Lee, Nicholas Lee, Leo McIntyre and one on the way; and a sister Nancy Watkins.

A celebration of life service will be Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Minquas Fire Co. No. 2, 141 Wallace Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:45 AM, and a service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to www.downingtownfire.org/donate.

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