Joseph Francis Lee, 93, of Collingswood, NJ, (formally Bellmawr, NJ) died peacefully at United Methodist Community at Collingswood Manor on Monday, October 12, 2026, with his beloved wife and children beside him.

“Joe” was born July 17, 1933, in Philadelphia, just a few short blocks from where he would meet the love of his life, Barbara (Zielinski) Lee. He was the third of seven children of Joseph and Mary Lee of the Kensington neighborhood. He graduated from North Catholic High School in 1951 and then enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably in the Korean War. He returned to Philadelphia and soon met his bride-to-be, Barbara, while visiting the beaches of Wildwood. They married in 1957 at the Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church in Port Richmond, Philadelphia.

Together, Joe and Barbara had six incredible children, Barbara Ann (Lee) Cogan (husband Dan), Kenny Lee (wife Sherry), Melissa Lee, Suzy (Lee) Black (husband Darryl), Jeffrey Lee (wife Lisa), and Joseph Lee (wife Kelly). Over their nearly seventy years together “Pop Pop”, as he was lovingly known, welcomed thirteen grandchildren, Cara, DJ (wife Jessica) and Caity (husband Jon), Armani and Paolo, Max and Elian, Aidan and Devon, Makenzie and Jeffrey, and Brady and Owen. He was further blessed with four great grandchildren, Jack, Lukas, Kennedy, and Isla. Joe also embraced his extended family,Tia and children Ava, Addison, and Caleb, and Skylar (wife Allison) and children Griffin and Gracyn.

Joe Lee was a legend in the ironwork industry and a loyal member of Local 401 for nearly forty years. Over his lengthy career, he led the building of bridges and skyscrapers across the city that now adorn the Philadelphia skyline. He was a masterful engineer who shared his expertise with family and friends, many of whom have beautiful decks in their backyards which now serve as monuments to his craft.

He served his country as a soldier and patriot, his community as a coach for Bellmawr Little League, a volunteer for the Veterans Administration, as Commander of VFW Post 9563, as a builder for Habitat for Humanity, and occasionally, he would serve himself a Dewars Scotch in a tall glass with a lot of ice and a piece of lemon…a well-deserved toast to a life well-lived!

Joe’s greatest legacy is his gift of love to his family, and most importantly to his surviving wife, Barbara. She was, and remains his angel on earth. Their life together is a true example of eternal and lasting love that most could only wish for.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 19, 2026, 10 AM to 12 Noon at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, St. John Church, 809 Park Ave., Collingswood, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 Noon.  Entombment with military honors will follow at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Communities Foundation as below.

https://supportumcf.org/giving/#online-donate