Beloved Chemist Thomas B.K. Lee Passes Away

News Summary

Thomas B.K. Lee, a renowned chemist and devoted family man, passed away at the age of 82, surrounded by family. His contributions to chemistry and his warmth will be remembered fondly by many. A private funeral is planned, followed by a celebration of his life.

Rockville, MD – Esteemed chemist and beloved family man, Thomas B.K. Lee, passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Fiona, their daughter, Christine, their son, Jeffrey, and his wife Reena, as well as his cherished grandchildren, Coby and Ania.

Thomas Lee was born on July 8, 1942, in Hong Kong, where he was the youngest child of Woon Foo and Yee Yong Lee. In pursuit of better opportunities, Lee immigrated to Australia, joining his brother Frank Lee and sister Cecilia Ku. In Australia, he completed his high school education and spent memorable years exploring adventures with numerous cousins.

In 1966, Lee transitioned to the United States, reuniting with his brother Herbert Lee and sister Margaret Chui. He continued his education, earning a Master’s degree from the University of California San Diego and later completing a PhD at the State University of New York at Buffalo. It was during this academic journey that he met his future wife, Fiona, with whom he tied the knot on June 30, 1973.

The couple established their lives in Whitehouse Station, NJ, and welcomed two children, Christine and Jeffrey. Throughout his professional career, Tom made significant contributions in the field of chemistry, working at prominent organizations including Merck and Hoechst Celanese. His career culminated in a senior director position in process development at Roche, located in Florence, SC, from which he retired in 2002.

Following his retirement, Tom and Fiona lived in various locations, including San Leandro, CA, Havre de Grace, MD, and finally, Rockville, MD. He developed a passion for investing in stocks and enjoyed various recreational activities such as tennis, which he later transitioned to pickleball, playing poker, and mahjong. The couple also took great joy in traveling, particularly enjoying cruises and exploring destinations celebrated for their exquisite Chinese food.

Beyond his professional achievements, Thomas Lee was cherished for his uplifting spirit and warm demeanor. He dedicated much of his time to his grandchildren, imparting skills such as fishing and tennis to Coby and Ania. His legacy is marked by a deep commitment to fostering joy and understanding in the lives of those around him.

A private funeral service will take place on July 5, 2025, exclusively for immediate family members. Additionally, a celebration of Tom’s life will be held on July 12, 2025, with further details to be announced. In honor of Tom Lee’s legacy, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the American Heart Association, supporting the fight against heart disease.

As an influential figure in the field of chemistry and a devoted family man, Thomas B.K. Lee will be remembered for his profound impact on both his professional community and his family. His life story serves as an inspiring reminder of the value of education, dedication, and the importance of nurturing relationships.

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Remembering Thomas B.K. Lee: A Life of Dedication and Joy

Additional Resources

• Dignity Memorial: Thomas Lee Obituary
• Wikipedia: Chemistry
• Dillow-Taylor: Obituaries
• Google Search: American Heart Association
• Star Press: Obituaries
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Chemistry