Jong Uhn Lee

In Loving Memory: Jong Uhn Lee (이종언 | 李鍾彦)

October 18, 1944 – August 6, 2023

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Jong Uhn Lee (이종언), who left us on August 6, 2023. He touched the lives of many and will be profoundly missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.

Born on October 18, 1944 to Kwang Kyu Lee (이광규) and Bok Dong Jo (조복동), Jong Uhn was born and grew up in Seoul, Korea, where his father was a federal railway employee. When he was 6 years old, the Korean War broke out and he fled south with his family, witnessing devastations of war firsthand, which deeply impacted him for the rest of his life.  

After the war, his family eventually moved back to Seoul, where his father was appointed a rail station master.  Thereafter, he attended Dongguk University majoring in Food Science, and in his 20’s, Jong Uhn volunteered to go to Vietnam, because he wanted to repay the debt to the United States that was owed during the Korean War. When the Vietnam War ended prior to his deployment, he went on to pursue several jobs, and immigrated to the US in the 1980’s with his family, seeking a fresh start.  

Early years in the US were trying times, and his big breakthrough came when he started a T-shirt selling business with his wife and business partners.  He would later remember such days with great fondness, which he credited for allowing his family to achieve the American Dream, because he was able to trade his T-shirt store for a house in Jericho, NY, which became the family home for the Lees for decades, and remains in the family to this day.  

After the T-shirt business, he pursued his dream of owning a liquor store, and acquired Seven Star Liquors in Westbury, NY, which he owned and operated for 21 years until his retirement in 2012.  Since his retirement, he had enjoyed fishing, traveling and studying history. 

Family was of utmost importance to Jong Uhn, a love he expressed through food and cooking. He would often prepare delicious meals for his family, and you could always count on him for wine and stories in family gatherings.  He had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life, as he valued people for the stories they carried in their hearts, rather than their wealth or status. Jong Uhn loved nature, exploring and sharing stories, and most of all being the grandpa for his granddaughters Ellen, Eleanor and Yuna. 

Jong Uhn Lee is survived by his wife Jee Won Lee ( 최지원 | 崔志瑷) , children Jessica J. Lee, MD (이주현 | 李周炫) and Jason Y. Lee, JD/MBA (이윤호 | 李允浩), and grandchildren Ellen S. Lee, Eleanor H. Lim, and Elizabeth Yuna Lee.  We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have offered their support, condolences, and prayers. Though we mourn the loss of Jong Uhn Lee, let us also find solace in the knowledge that his spirit will forever shine brightly in our hearts. May he rest in peace.

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