Philip Lee

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Philip Lee, 94, of Warwick, passed Saturday, December 7, 2019 at home surrounded by his family.

Mr. Lee came to the United States 87 years ago and shortly thereafter became a citizen. He served in the United States Army under 3 Star General George Patton as a driver. The stories he could and did tell were fascinating. He was recently honored by U.S. Senator Jack Reed’s office as “the oldest living Chinese American soldier that served in World War II” from Rhode Island. He was a son of the late Yam Loo and Choa Wor Wong. He immigrated to the United States in 1932.

He was the husband of the late Fung Lin, whom he was married to for 49 years. Along with his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Lem Bond Chin, they opened The Islander Chinese restaurant in Warwick in 1972 and ran it until they sold it in 1989. He was a true Chinese elder. He was active in the Chinese On Leung Chinese Merchants Association.

The family would like to thank the VNA Care New England for the excellent care provided to Mr. Lee.

He leaves a son, Raymond Lee of Warwick; a daughter, Kim Keegan and her husband, James, of Warwick; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Danny Loo and May Chin.

His life will be celebrated with calling hours Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 4-8 p.m. His funeral will be held Thursday, Dec. 12 at 8:30 a.m. in Stapleton Family Funeral Home, 684 Park Avenue, Cranston, with a funeral service at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will be in the family lot in Pawtuxet Memorial Park in Warwick.