Robert M. Lee Obituary
Robert Michael Lee, age 81, of Gloucester, MA, passed away peacefully at home on October 26, 2024.
Born on April 29, 1943, in Melrose, MA, Bob was the son of Vincent Lee and Elizabeth Cosgrove. He graduated from Don Bosco Technical High School and went on to study at Northeastern University, soon launching into a distinguished career in aerospace engineering.
Bob married the love of his life, Nancy O'Neill Lee, on 10/16/1976 in Swampscott, sharing nearly 50 years of marriage. Together, "Captain Bob" and Nancy enjoyed countless weekends and summers aboard their boat, The First Light, exploring the New England coast from Kennebunkport to Nantucket, Newport, and beyond.
As an original founder of Axiam, an engineering firm based in the Blackburn Center of Gloucester, Bob's career in aerospace engineering took him around the world. He held numerous patents, and his work is featured in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Even in recent years, he continued to lend his expertise as a consultant with a private space company.
Known for his warmth and curiosity, Bob never missed an opportunity for a good conversation. Whether sitting beside him on a plane or meeting him on the marina docks, one could expect to share stories about life, work, and family. His favorite culinary haunts included Nick's Roast Beef in Beverly and Destino's in Gloucester, while he found spiritual enlightenment at his beloved "temple," The Kowloon, in Saugus.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife Nancy; his sons Jamie, Erik, and Erik's wife Jessie; his grandsons Justin and Ryan; his sister Betsy Hines and her husband Tom; along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Kevin Lee.
A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 3-7 pm. at the Gloucester Elks Lodge, 97 Atlantic Road #101, Gloucester, MA 01930. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bob's memory to Cape Ann Food Pantry, 28 Emerson Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930 Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.
