Abraham Lee
Age - 72
September 2, 2023
Abraham Alfonza LeeJune 7, 1951 - July 12, 2023"History is not everything, but it is a starting point. History is a clock that people use to tell theirpolitical and cultural time of day. It is a compass they use to find themselves on the map ofhuman geography. It tells them where they are, but more importantly, what they must be. "- Dr. John Henrik ClarkeOn Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 6:27am Abraham ("Abe") transitioned from his earthly body to convene with the ancestors. Born on June 7, 1951, Abe (or "Fonza" as his South Carolina family affectionately calledhim) was the oldest of eight children of the late Bishop Abraham T. Lee and Pastor Mary EvelynLee (4 boys and 4 girls). He was born in the small rural hamlet of McClellanville, South Carolinabefore moving to Brooklyn, NY at the age of 5. Abraham's parents moved to Brooklyn seeking abetter life for themselves and their young family. They, like thousands of others became part ofthe Great Black Migration out of the Jim Crow South. Arriving in the 1950's, their first residencewas in Bed-Stuy, the iconic and predominantly African-American section of Brooklyn. Roughlytwo years later, they would relocate into the public housing units of the nearby Brownsvillecommunity. The family lived there for over two decades before moving to Crown Heights. Abe's parents emphasized the importance of family, community, education, and a deeplove of God. His commitment to these foundational and guiding principles would becomesignature elements of his character and reputation throughout his life. Very early, Abraham exhibited a strong intellect and excelled on all levels of academia. He attended PS 268 (Emma Lazarus) Elementary School and Winthrop Jr. High School beforeattending the highly competitive and renowned Brooklyn Technical High School where heconcentrated in architecture. After graduation, Abraham enrolled at Cornell University's School ofArchitecture in 1969. Abraham married his lifetime partner, Denise C. Lee (Dendtler) in 1971, and as youngundergraduate students, had the first of their four children, Tashir. Despite being young parentsin the midst of their college studies, the two pushed each other to excel and both graduated ontime. Thereafter, the couple was blessed with three additional children, Jibraan, Sakai, and Amir. Abe began his architectural career at Beardsley and Beardsley Architects + Engineers inAuburn, NY as an Architect/Designer. Thereafter, he took on the role of Staff ArchitecturalDesigner at Cornell University. Later, he was employed as a Rehabilitation Specialist at IthacaNeighborhood Housing Services. He loved the profession, but his true passion and calling waseducation and teaching. Abraham further his studies and, in 1992, earned a Master of Science inEducation from SUNY Cortland and committed the rest of his life to educating the youth of Ithaca. Abraham was a beloved teacher at Ithaca High School where he taught Government and,despite facing some initial headwinds, was responsible for developing and teaching the firstAfrican-American History course at Ithaca High School. Abe was known for his engaging style ofpresentation and for identifying and fostering the unique talents of individual students. As ateacher, education was not simply about grades for him, it was about developing critical thinkers,building confidence, and challenging students to reach their highest potential. Former studentswould often stop Abe in the streets and stores of Ithaca and thank him for the profound impact hehad upon their lives. Abraham's commitment to youth was unwavering. He was a co-advisor to the African-Latino Student Association at Ithaca High School and co-director of the Saturday Science andMathematics Academy (SSMA), the oldest community-based STEM program in the City of Ithaca. SSMA provides science, mathematics, and computer technology experiences for Ithaca youthgrades three through high school. Abe also worked diligently with other dedicated members ofthe community to encourage youth to attend college through campus tours throughout the countryand specifically Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Abraham was a former President of the Southside Community Center Board of DirectorsThe center flourished under his leadership and many new community initiatives were launched. During his tenure, Abe helped launch the James L. Gibbs Memorial Award and significantlyexpanded the Southside Festival. Abe was a Prince Hall Ancient Free and Accepted Mason. During his masonic career heheld several distinguished positions, including Past Master of the Henry H. Garnet Lodge #40, High Priest of Chenango Royal Arch Chapter #11 Commander-IN - Chief (CIC) of UticaConsistory #45 Special District Deputy Grand Master in the 6th Masonic District MWPHGLNY. Totop it off Abraham (RW Lee) was elected to the highest and final degree in masonry that abrother can receive and that is of "Grand Inspector General 33". Leadership in the fraternityproclaimed that Abraham was the cement that held Henry H. Garnet Lodge #40 intact and thatthe fraternity had lost a giant. Abraham was a proud Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and wasthe co-founder of the Iota Iota Lambda (Graduate) Chapter in Ithaca, NY and served as itsEducation Director. Abe was also a co-organizer of the historic 100 th Anniversary Pre-CentennialCelebration in Ithaca, NY, where Alpha Phi Alpha was founded. At his core, Abraham was a lifelong student and scholar. He LOVED to read. His favoritetopic was history, particularly African-American and African history. He often cited Malcom X'sfamous quote "Of all of our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research. " Some of hisfavorite scholars and historians were Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan, andCarter G. Woodson. He was particularly interested in ancient Kemet (Egypt) and recently took acourse in Medu Neter in order to learn how to read and write hieroglyphics. One of his life'sdreams was to visit Kemet and explore the pyramids, temples, and tombs. More often than not,you'd find him with a prominent ankh adorning his finger, wrist, or neck. For him it was not aboutfashion, but so fittingly at this moment - eternal life. While Abe did not make it to Kemet, hevisited Senegal in April 2023 with his wife Denise, son Tashir, grandson Braxton, and daughter-in-law Kamilah. He had finally reached the "Motherland"! His face beamed with joy the momenthis feet touched down on "The Continent" and the feeling of returning "home" never left him. Itwas determined through DNA tests that his family's ancestral lineage is Yoruba-Fulani (Nigeria)and Balanta (Guinea-Bissau), of which he was immensely proud. Besides his love of academia and history, Abe was also a huge music lover. He had aneclectic vinyl collection consisting of R&B, Jazz, Classic Rock, Reggae, and various Africanmusical genres dating back to the 60s/70s. He even had a love for Hip-Hop - one of his favoritesongs was Kendrick Lamar's "We Gon' Be Alright!" which served as his phone ring tone for over ayear! He and his wife also loved live music and attended the Essence Music Festival in NewOrleans nearly 23 consecutive years!Abe had a profound love of African jewelry and fashion and was rarely seen without adashiki, a kente or mudcloth accessory to accent his outfit, or a large eye-catching ring ornecklace featuring an Adinkra symbol. He also had a profound love of art from Benin, Kemet,and the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Lastly, Abraham loved Low Country (the birthplace of his family in South Carolina) andNew Orleans Creole cuisine. Some of his favorite dishes were shrimp and grits, steamed bluecrabs with Old Bay seasoning, gumbo, frogmore stew, red rice, fried fish/chicken, and BBQ. The life of Abraham Alfonza Lee will be fondly remembered by his beloved wife of 52 years,Denise C. Lee, his children, sons Tashir (wife Kamilah), Jibraan (wife Mary), and Amir, anddaughter Sakai. Grandchildren: Dajhin, Devin, Braxton, Parrish, Pierce, AshantiSiblings: Shearan Barnes (husband LeVern), Karen Mitchell (husband Robert), Mark (wifeYvette), and TeresaBrother-in-Law: Malcolm DendtlerSisters-in-Law: Pamela Dendtler, Camille Dendtler, Artis Dendtler, Anastacia Lee-Hall, andCynthia Russell Lee. Nieces: Cheniqua Williams, Aisha Baker (husband Najeed), Dionna Mitchell, Jasmine Lee,Jamilah Lee, Ashley Lee, Brianna Burt (husband Albert), Chantel Champlain, Antoinette Dendtler(husband Dorvin), Sienna Dutkowski (husband James), Bijan Clark, Kendall Dendtler, andNatasha CarterNephews: Shawn Thorpe (Sasha), Antoine Barrett, Devon Mitchell (wife Ashley), Troy Dendtler,Juan Dendtler (Hannah), Adrian Lee (wife Courtnay), Lateef Way (wife Patty)And a host of great nieces, great nephews, and cousins. Abraham was preceded in death by brothers Alvin Lee and Melvin Lee; sister Cynthia Williams;mother-in-law Evelyn Dendtler; father-in-law Ralph Dendtler; and brother-in-law Ralph Dendtler,and his granddaughter Amani Lee. A Few of Abe's Favorite Sayings:1. Know Thyself2. To Whom Much Is Given Much Is Expected3. Service To Community4. Education Is The Key To Success5. Love Of Family and Friends6. Respect and Cherish Elders7. Lifelong Learners8. Work Hard Play Hard9. A People Without A History Is Like A Tree Without RootsShow more
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