Daniel Howard Lee

Daniel Howard Lee, 72, Mohawk wolf clan, passed away August 26, 2024 in Ithaca. Daniel is a Syracuse native, born in Syracuse, New York on July 29, 1952 to Thomas Lee (Lella), who was a bagger for the Solvay Process Quarry in Jamesville for 32 years and a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Glider Division during World War II (whose parents were Giovanni “John” Battista Lella (born in Italy in 1863 and married to Nicolleta Baratta Lella), who was a retired New York Central Railroad Company employee) and Dorothy Kawisenhawi Lee (Lazore) from the Okwaho (wolf) clan (whose parents were Philip Lazore (Aritonko) and Charlotte Mae Cook (Wari Saro Kawennaiensen) who attended the Carlisle Indian boarding school), all from the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe.

Daniel held many jobs throughout his life, but was primarily a truck driver for many companies, including Goldbergs Furniture and the Salvation Army. He loved music, playing the guitar, gambling and riding his bike. He was an avid car guy and loved maintaining and cleaning his cars. He also liked being out in the woods, and he used to take his sons to smoke chickens over a slow fire while sipping on a cold one. He would tell stories of living in two worlds, one world hearing his father speak Italian to his brothers, and one world hearing his mother speak Mohawk and Onondaga to her friends and family. He and his brothers grew up on the west side of Syracuse and are well known there. He was very close to his cousin, George White, and in their younger years, they frequently went on adventures to Las Vegas and Florida. He lived with his son Anthony on several occasions, the last being in Ithaca, NY in 1996. This is where he met Holly Gordon and he lived out the rest of his life. Several years ago, before a major surgery, by prayer, he confirmed his faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We’ll see him soon in heaven with the whole family and little Dani.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Dorothy, his brothers Thomas Lee, Gary Lee, John Lee, Robert Powless, Clark Powless, sister Charlotte Storm, and granddaughter Daniela Karonhienhawi Arrieta Lee.

He is survived by his last surviving brother Terry Lee; his two sons, Daniel Howard (Florence) Lee, Jr., and Anthony (Claudia) Lee, grandchildren from Daniel which are Katherine and Jacob; and grandchildren from Anthony which are Adriana, Moriah, Brisa, Daniela, Maria, Anthony Jr. and Melissa; one great granddaughter Daniela Marie Lee born from Moriah; many nieces and nephews, and Holly Gordon, his long time companion and partner.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 9-11AM at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, where a memorial service will follow at 11AM. 

Click Here to View the Service

To share a memory of Daniel or to leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.