4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
LEE, RICK
Rick Lee, 68, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on December 11, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Flushing, New York on February 24, 1954. Rick grew up in Stamford, Connecticut and went to The University of Connecticut on a football scholarship. After graduation, he followed his future wife, Rita Rubelsky, to Phoenix where they were married in 1976. Rick was hired at IBM and worked there for 4 years. He then became a broker at Coldwell Banker Commercial in 1980 for 16 years. During this time, Rick became their most successful sales agent in the United States. In 1996, he was recruited by Lee & Associates where he held the position of Principal until his passing. Rick brought his experience and hard working, “old school” salesmanship which helped cement Lee & Associates as a major player in the Phoenix market.
He had a wicked sense of humor, a willingness to mentor, a generous heart and an unquestionable sense of integrity. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind his loving wife of 46 years, Rita; twin sons, Fr. Ryan Lee (a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Phoenix), and Conner Lee (Principal at Lee & Associates) and his wife Norma of Scottsdale, Arizona; a daughter Ally (Dickson) and her husband David, of Phoenix, Arizona. He was blessed with 2 cherished grandchildren: Palmer (Dickson, 3) and Ethan (Lee, 10 months). He is survived by his siblings Robert Lee (Kathy), William Lee (Sharon) and Carol Goetz (Gerry), as well as extended family George Rubelsky (Alcy), Marianne Smythe (Brad), Ronnie Rubelsky and several loving nieces and nephews. Rick was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Alice Lee, and father-in-law George Rubelsky.
Rick was an avid golfer, a member of The Arizona Country Club, the Fiesta Bowl Committee and was a proud member of The Thunderbirds – a prominent community service group – for 32 years. He held various leadership positions with the organization and worked tirelessly to help raise millions of dollars for local charities, including years of supporting the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Before his health prevented him from volunteering, Rick could always be found with dear friends in the community supporting charitable events and causes. He worshiped at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Phoenix and was a generous supporter of the Church throughout his life.
Visitation hours are Thursday, January 5th from 5:00-7:00 PM and rosary at 7:00 PM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85016, Friday, January 6th at 10:00 AM. The family will lay Rick to rest at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery.
In his loving memory and to honor and perpetuate his legacy of generosity, his family has established The Rick Lee Charitable Fund with The Arizona Community Foundation. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made using this link: www.azfoundation.org/ricklee.
If you would like to share or view any pictures of Rick, please email them to RickLeeMemories@dropevent.com or visit www.dropevent.com/rickleememories.
Family preferred florist is Maria at Desert Florals.
Phone – (602) 621-6652
Email – maria@desertfloralsbymaria.com
This is the worst news. My sincerest condolences. Ricky was the bomb! I enjoyed hearing from him and getting his ridiculous texts! My love to Rita and the family. I will pass this terrible news on to his team mates.
Through years of joy and pain Rick’s leadership as a teammate while we participated as members of the University of Connecticut ‘s football program was generous. To see all of his accomplishments is amazing and shows the world the kind of man is and was to our community. Farewell my friend and may God continue to bless all the people you touched. Thank you.
Rita and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I just heard of his battle in the past couple of weeks. My wife Linda and I saw him at UCONN’s practice before the Fiesta Bowl. It was as though the years since we were teammates at UCONN had never passed. I have a picture in my office of Rick, Andy Baylock and myself from that day. The next day he took the time to stop by our hotel for a drink.
Rest in peace my friend!
Paul Mariano
So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I remember him as always being fun and positive to be around. Grace and Peace to his family.
My sincere condolences to the Lee family ! I met Rick almost 40 years ago while pursuing my real estate career! He was one of the nicest and brightest brokers in the business ! He was always offering sound advice to me and other members of my Re family . He was one of the few brokers who reached out to me when my mom, who was also a re broker was dying of cancer . Rick had a good ❤️So very sorry for your loss, Rita and family.
Rita and family,
So sorry to hear the news of Rick’s passing. Please accept my condolences.
Although I only really knew Rick for a short time I remember him as one of my favorite teammates who always had a smile and a positive attitude no matter the situation. I am sure that all of his accomplishments over the years brought great pride to you and your family. Reading about them brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart.
Rest In Peace “Rickie”
Our condolences to your family. His memory is one you can hold on to forever and be so proud of.
He did the right things. May peace find it’s way into your hearts.
Sincerely,
Posey and John Nash
Prescott, AZ
To Rita, Fr. Ryan & Conner, my sincerest condolences on your loss. I went to Stamford HS with Ricky where he was loved and admired by everybody. I remember as if it was today the catch he made in the state football championship game! We played together on the baseball team which won county and stayed in contact over the years., And sent him some photos from our recent 50th graduation anniversary, he loved them.
I remember him talking me about his son’s, his heart was full. Though we haven’t met you’ve all been iny prayers, Prayer Works!
Rick was a shining star whose light will always shine.
Rita, You and your family are in my prayers.
Rita and family, we are so saddened by the loss of Rick. He was an amazing person and we have no words to express how much he will be missed. Please know our prayers are with your entire family.
Much love,
Steve & Lisa Whitehead
Rita and family, my heart goes out to you. I am honored to call Rick my friend and will miss him dearly. I will cherish the stories and the laughs and know you will cherish the memories as well. Rest in Peace my friend and give my best to O’C and Curley … what a day they must be having!
OMG, I just heard of Rick’s passing (1/5/23). I loved him dearly!!!!! We met at CB Richard Ellis (Central Avenue) and I can still remember the phone call he made from L&A to Debbie at CB, asking her to join him. I may not have been his first choice, and I am so glad Debbie said No. It was my pleasure to work with and know Rick. His humor, generosity, and kindness will never be forgotten. I loved being his “secretary”. I am deeply saddened to hear of his struggles with cancer. RIP Ricky Lee – sending prayers and my love to Rita, Ryan, Connor & Ally. He was definitely one of the Best!
May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
Fr. Ryan and Family,
Our extended condolences to you and your entire family upon the loss of your Dad.
May “GOD BLESS!” you and your family in your grief and the sadness in your hearts, diminish with every passing day.
Sincerely,
Bea Segundo & family
St. Henry’s Parish Community