Joseph Alan Lee

Joseph A. Lee Sr. passed peacefully at home on September 30, 2026. He leaves behind a family he adored, a community he proudly called home, and generations of Boston students who knew him as a teacher, principal, and mentor.

A Dorchester native, Joe spent much of his adult life in South Boston, where he and his wife, Nancy, raised their family. Married for 55 years, Joe and Nancy built a full and busy life around their seven children: Joseph (Laura), Megan, Andrew (Erin), Courtney (Donald), Patrick (Katherine), Brendan (Connie), and Kevin (Janet). Their home and family were always at the heart of Joe’s life.

Joe devoted his professional life to the Boston Public Schools. He began his career as a teacher and eventually became a principal, retiring from the Patrick F. Gavin Middle School in 2003. He cared deeply about the students he served and the South Boston community. Even long after he retired, former students would recognize Mr. Lee and share memories and stories from their school days, something that meant a great deal to him.

Joe was also a man of strong Catholic faith and a longtime parishioner of Gate of Heaven Church. His faith remained an important part of his life and provided a foundation for the way he approached family, community, and service to others.

Retirement gave Joe more time for the role he treasured most: being a grandfather. He loved having his family around him, keeping up with his children and grandchildren, and watching the next generation grow. With seven children and fourteen grandchildren, there was rarely a shortage of family gatherings, stories, and laughter.

Joe is survived by his brothers, Christopher Lee (Peggy) of Holliston and Bob Lee (the late Jean) of Dorchester, and his grandchildren: Andrew and Matthew Fumarola; Catherine, Andrew, Mary, and Martin Lee; Donny, Eamon, and Christopher Holmes; Cecilia and James Lee; Joseph Lee; and Kevin and Annie Lee.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Nancy, and his parents, Christopher and Mary Lee.

Joe leaves behind a life defined not by any one role, but by the many people who knew and loved him. The lessons, stories, humor, faith, and love he shared will remain a lasting part of Joe’s legacy.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Spencer Funeral Home, 575 East Broadway, South Boston. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Church, 615 East Fourth Street, South Boston. Interment will be private.

Joe’s Funeral Mass will be livestreamed through the Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parish website.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to Fuel Relief Fund at fuelrelieffund.org