Kermit James Lee, Jr.
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Kermit J. Lee, Jr., 83, died on Tuesday, January 16 with his devoted and loving wife of 55 years, Lore Leipelt Lee, at his side. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1934 and a Syracuse resident for more than 50 years, Kermit was a Professor of Architecture at Syracuse University and co-owner of Skoler and Lee Architects with the late Louis Skoler.
A 1957 magna cum laude graduate of S.U. with a degree in architecture, Kermit pursued graduate study at Technische Hochschule in Braunschweig Germany as a Fulbright Fellow. While in Europe he also served as Chief of Architecture, a civilian post with the Seventh Air Force AFEX.
His professional accomplishments include: Chairing the NY State Board of Architecture, charter membership on NY State Governor Mario Cuomo’s Cultural Advisory Committee for Times Square and 42nd Street, and investiture as a Fellow, College of Fellows, American Institute of Architects. As the first black graduate of the School of Architecture, he was particularly proud of his mentoring role for minority students.
A stroke ended his teaching career in 1994, but did not diminish his immense intellect, sense of humor, entrepreneurial spirit, or devotion to family. Predeceased by his parents, Kermit, Sr. and Lillian Jackson Lee, Kermit leaves his wife Lore, daughter Karin George (Richard), son Jason A. Lee, two grandchildren, his four siblings, Ronald, William, Judith and Deborah, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins who will all miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Syracuse University with “Kermit Lee Scholarship” on the memo line if by check (Send to: Syracuse University, Attn: Jodie Ralston, Womens Building, 820 Comstock Ave. Suite 214D, Syracuse, NY 13244-5040 or at www.givetosu.syr.edu/kermitlee
A memorial service will be held at a future date.
Message of Sympathy
Post a Message of Sympathy
Karin, I have loved learning about your father from your loving stories about him and from this tribute--such an impressive career. Sending you and your family love and deepest sympathy.
Written by Vanessa Diana
2018-01-19 10:28:02 PM
Dear Karen; What a legacy you have before you. I am so sorry for his passing and your sadness, but it is clear that many of his greatest loves, happiest moments and satisfying achievements live on in his profession and especially in you. May God's light shine on his soul and all of you. Sandy
Written by Sandra Kweder
2018-01-19 2:38:54 PM
Karin - Your dad was remarkable and a real trailblazer. Prayers lifted up for you and your family. Please accept my sincere condolences. Hugs.
Written by Stephanie Hyacinth
2018-01-19 3:30:34 PM
Karin, No surprise your dad was an amazing man! Much love to you and your family. Xoxo, Rebecca
Written by Rebecca Gerber
2018-01-19 4:31:22 AM
An excellent architect,and an even better person, Kermit will be missed by many. Remembering all the good times in the past... Condolences to the family.
Written by Dan & Kathy Rabuzzi
2018-01-19 7:16:31 PM
Karen - Your father was such a force and yet so kind and gentle in his ways. It was a privilege to be at the school of Architecture when he was still teaching. My thoughts are with your family at this time.
Written by Lara Turney
2018-01-20 12:09:44 PM
My deep condolences to your family. Although I never met Kermit, I know by my friendship with his son, Jason, what a beacon of love and inspiration he has been.
Written by Janet Locke
2018-01-20 12:54:13 AM
My fondest memories at the School of Architecture is with Kermit. In my second year he planted the seed that an Architect can do more than architecture and I focused my career accordingly. My thesis year I ran to Kermit's office and begged him to be one of my thesis counselors. Without him shepherding me through, I would have faced the forces of opposition that so many minority students faced at the School of Architecture. Kermit was everything to me. Thank You Karen for providing me the opportunity to share. Kermit was more than a professor to me, he was a friend, mentor, and represented all that I wanted to be. May God bless the Lee family at your time of sympathy.
Written by Richard Lendor
2018-01-20 1:40:23 PM
Dear Karin, Your father was beyond kind, beyond optimistic, beyond what I can put in words. I knew him for many years growing up as he and my dad worked together and I always looked up to him, always will. Sending love and condolences to you and your family, Kermit will always be a part of my life as he taught me to really have a goal of listening. Love from Harry, Joanne, Gianna, Amelia and Daniel
Written by Harry Skoler
2018-01-20 2:10:27 PM
My thesis advisor, mentor, and favorite professor ever. I was just thinking of him yesterday. He made me the architect I am today. So sorry for your loss.
Written by Kecia Lifton
2018-01-20 2:54:18 PM
I am just one of the many students that learned much more than architecture from Kermit - we learned humanity from him too. When I came before the NYS Board for my Architectural license, he was a welcome sight, an encouraging professional, and forever a profound mentor. His memory lives on in all who were touched by his generous, and convivial spirit.
Written by Peter Arsenault
2018-01-21 4:26:43 PM
Dearest Karin, I am so happy that I got to see your Mom and Dad, my mentor and guiding light, Kermit a few months ago at the Coming Back Together reunion. Just Kermit's presence at the School of Architecture was a ray of hope for me as an African American woman in the 1980's. He represented artistic intelligence, charisma and most importantly, HOPE that I could one day be just like him! I struggled through school for 2 out of 5 years and it was Kermit that made all the difference in my life. I know he is up in heaven re-designing everything he can get his hands on...I will cherish the video footage and photos (of my visit with Kermit) to inspire my children ages 4 and 6 to always go for their dreams!
Written by Lorraine ECHO Allen
2018-01-22 3:41:30 AM
My sympathies to the entire Lee family. Professor Lee made a lasting impact on me as a student and a professional. His memory will live on in the many lessons he taught, both in and outside of the classroom.
Written by Sheri Shaw
2018-01-22 7:57:19 PM
So sorry to get this news today. My sincere condolences to the Lee Family. Kermit made a lasting impression on me the very first day I met him at Syracuse. A great teacher, professional and friend. I will truly miss him. Albert Krull, AIA SU Class of 1976
Written by Albert Krull
2018-01-23 7:12:20 PM
Professor Lee was loved and appreciated by all of us in studio. He was respected for his ability to teach with wry wit, insight, and especially kindness.
Written by Cynthia Filkoff
2018-01-24 2:09:48 PM
I have fond memories of Professor Lee at Syracuse University in the early 1980's. He was kind, warm and passionate about architecture. If I recall correctly he told us he was married at Le Corbusier's Ronchamp Chapel, which was just about the coolest thing I had ever heard! My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Written by John Enright
2018-01-25 10:09:57 PM
Kermit Lee was a wonderful, wonderful man. His counsel, encouragement and teaching style was so important during my education at Syracuse University. I had the greatest respect for him as a professor and as a person. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. May you find comfort in the mark his teaching left on so many of us.
Written by Robert Healy
2018-01-25 10:10:03 PM
I'm so sorry to hear of Professor Lee's passing. He was a wonderful person and an inspiration to his students. I thought of him often after I graduated from SU in 1974. My condolences to the Lee family.
Written by Richard Szczypek
2018-01-25 10:33:33 PM
So sorry to hear this. He was one of my favorite professors and a lovely man.
Written by HELEN COHEN
2018-01-25 10:35:49 PM
My sincere condolences to Kermit's family and friends. My years at SU's school of architecture were so much richer because of Kermit. A brilliant mind with a kind and patient heart. A great recipe for a human. I know he will be missed. Steve Waehler '76
Written by Steven Waehler
2018-01-25 10:45:36 PM
I was saddened to hear about the loss of a great thinker who's wisdom I experienced in the early 1990's. Prof. Lee encouraged independent thinking that inspired the young minds at the dawn of both the internet age and early mornings on the campus to recycle, reuse, repurpose, reimagine. I hope that knowing the seeds he planted are maturing today into mature tangible ideas in the minds and work of all those that he led. CM Pravda @LifestYleBroker Chief Social Capitalist MARK YOUR SPOT NEWS (SU-95')
Written by CM Pravda
2018-01-25 10:47:36 PM
Those of us who were fortunate to have been students of Kermit Lee recall fondly his love for teaching and his ever practical advice that he generously ladled to us neophytes in training. Looking back after 36 years or so of practice, his guidance rings true. His optimism for the profession of architecture and education help to purge the inevitable cynicism that comes with the struggle to make it. His example makes us want to offer our time and knowledge to those who follow us as he so selflessly did.
Written by michael unger
2018-01-25 11:14:42 PM
I am saddened to hear of Professor Lee's passing. He was a brilliant and compassionate educator and I am proud to have memories of him as a mentor for both architecture and life.
Written by Don Petruncola
2018-01-25 11:31:08 PM
What a wonderful man! He was such a great inspiration to many. Rest in peace professor Lee.
Written by jonathan cowles
2018-01-25 3:49:53 PM
Sympathy, prayers and love to the entire Lee family. Kermit was truly a humanitarian, architect and educator to look up to, I'm proud to call him a mentor. I have remembered many of his stories...my favorite being his excitement of becoming a newly registered architect and using his stamp on everything...including his babies!
Written by Robin Wandersee Hargrave
2018-01-25 7:53:02 PM
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Prof. Kermit J. Lee, Jr. He was my advisor during my days at the School of Architecture. It was not surprising to people that the majority of the International and/or minority students in the Architecture program chose Prof. Lee as their academic advisor. He understood perfectly the enormous cultural intricacies and barriers confronting many of these students, more especially in their beginning years in the School of architecture at Syracuse University. He was humble, patient and more importantly, had the innate ability to listen intently to his students. He was not just an academic advisor, but a father and a mentor to many of us who came from different cultural backgrounds. Prof. Lee ran his race with dignity and endurance. May his soul rest in perfect peace! Our condolences to Prof. Lee’s family and friends from the Egbuna family. He will be greatly missed. Gregory I. Egbuna ‘87
Written by Gregory Egbuna
2018-01-26 10:46:41 PM
Kermit arrived at Syracuse while I was a student there. He was not only my teacher and mentor, he was my employer. I worked for the Architects Partnership while in schooling it helped me pay for my way through. It was only later as I entered the job market in NY that I came to understand what a gift I had gotten from the varied experience afford me by that generous man.To this day I remember what an inspiration he was to me during my school years. I came out of school way ahead of my peers from other schools because of the architecture and life skills I learned from Kermit. Years later, after his stroke, I saw him in Syracuse. H arrived at and AIA convention I was attending. Although confined to a wheel chair, the wheel chair did not confine him. He was irrepressible and the same happy positive Kermit I knew as my teacher. Years after that when I was teaching a studio at school, I went to visit and discovered that, despite losing his ability to draw with his right hand as a result of the stroke, he had taught himself to draw with his left hand. I have never known a more beautiful drawing hand than his and it was not diminished by switching from left to right. To this day i cherish a calendar done from his later drawings and aspire to his unrelenting optimism, kindness and talent. Kermit, you will live on in my heart and I feel privileged to have known you. I do not know the Lee family well, but my sincerest condolences to you. Your father was a unique man and it is with profound sadness that I share your sorrow.
Written by Frederick Stelle
2018-01-26 12:48:14 AM
Kermit arrived at Syracuse while I was a student there. He was not only my teacher and mentor, he was my employer. I worked for the Architects Partnership while in school it helped me pay for my way through. It was only later as I entered the job market in NY that I came to understand what a gift I had gotten from the varied experience afford me by that generous man.To this day I remember what an inspiration he was to me during my school years. I came out of school way ahead of my peers from other schools because of the architecture and life skills I learned from Kermit. Years later, after his stroke, I saw him in Syracuse. H arrived at and AIA convention I was attending. Although confined to a wheel chair, the wheel chair did not confine him. He was irrepressible and the same happy positive Kermit I knew as my teacher. Years after that when I was teaching a studio at school, I went to visit and discovered that, despite losing his ability to draw with his right hand as a result of the stroke, he had taught himself to draw with his left hand. I have never known a more beautiful drawing hand than his and it was not diminished by switching from left to right. To this day i cherish a calendar done from his later drawings and aspire to his unrelenting optimism, kindness and talent. Kermit, you will live on in my heart and I feel privileged to have known you. I do not know the Lee family well, but my sincerest condolences to you. Your father was a unique man and it is with profound sadness that I share your sorrow.
Written by Frederick Stelle
2018-01-26 12:48:14 AM
I offer my sympathy to Kermit's family who I do not know, just that he was proud of them. He was my best friend in the class of 1957, a group with a good number of non mainstream people. I only learned in his obituary that he was the first black graduate of SU Architecture School but his real distinction was his brillance,humor and optimisim
Written by Joanne (nee Jacob) Goldfarb
2018-01-26 2:39:25 PM
Kermit was one of my most memorable professors that I remember from Syracuse. I'm am very sorry for the family's loss. I am just sorry I didn't get to know him much better since I always thought he was one of the most interesting, authentic , intelligent,and kindest professors I have had. Rest in Peace. Warmest thoughts Stefanie MArch1991
Written by Stefanie Breitung-Duffy
2018-01-26 2:49:54 AM
Single most important teacher, mentor, and influence that I had at SU. Kermit set a high bar as an educator and as a person, one that all aspire, yet few attain. God bless you dear friend, my best to your family. Edward C. Armstrong, B Arch '74
Written by Edward Armstrong
2018-01-26 5:27:06 PM
My sincere sympathy to all of Kermit's family and friends. He was my mentor and favorite professor at Syracuse and he will be missed by many. Jeff Ludwig Class of 1974
Written by Jeff Ludwig
2018-01-26 5:40:01 PM
I've just read the numerous messages posted in memory of Kermit. They all say the same thing, he was a friend, colleague & mentor to so many of us, I was lucky to know him. All I can add is that I thank him for being there that "dark" day in my 3rd year when I felt just hopeless in studio. His words of encouragement got me through my "funk" and kept me going. Since 2011 I've had the opportunity to "teach" 3rd year students at the Marywood University School of Architecture. Every time I have a struggling student, I think of Kermit & hope my comments and words of encouragement are worth of Kermit's example. Although I only met Kermit's family once, briefly at some point in the early 70's, may his memory be a blessing. Carl J. Handman, AIA '74
Written by Carl J. Handman AIA
2018-01-26 5:51:45 PM
While working on a freshman design problem, Kermit, an upperclassman and student leader came by to discuss and he made a sketch. I followed that sketch and received an "A" on "my" design solution. (Confessing to cheating some 60 years after the fact!) However, this incident showed the outgoing nature, interest and enthusiasm that characterized his outstanding career as teacher, practitioner and leader of the profession. Kermit Lee is one of my most prominent memories of my time at the S.U. School of Architecture. My sympathies and best wishes for the Lee family.
Written by Paul Hanreeder, Class of 1960
2018-01-26 6:41:10 PM
So sorry to hear this news. Kermit was my Adviser at SU Arch back in the early 70s. He was a wonderful mentor and friend who helped shape my venture into the profession of Architecture. His wisdom and encouragement were invaluable. Plus, we both had the bond of New England roots; the twinkle in his eye and the warmth of his smile when we talked about that connection still remain with me. My condolences to the entire family, and my admiration to a wonderful man. Stephen Rich, B Arch '74
Written by Stephen Rich
2018-01-26 9:28:23 AM
So sorry to hear this news. Kermit was my Adviser at SU Arch back in the early 70s. He was a wonderful mentor and friend who helped shape my venture into the profession of Architecture. His wisdom and encouragement were invaluable. Plus, we both had the bond of New England roots; the twinkle in his eye and the warmth of his smile when we talked about that connection still remain with me. My condolences to the entire family, and my admiration to a wonderful man. Stephen Rich, B Arch '74
Written by Stephen Rich
2018-01-26 9:41:41 AM
My sincerest condolences to the Lee family. I was privileged to be in Professor Lee's 2nd year studio at Syracuse University in the 80's. In his own unique way, he taught us how to look at architecture differently and to to think outside of the box. He changed the way I saw design, our profession and myself. His humor, kindness, encouragement and compassion were a true blessing. I will remember him always with great fondness.
Written by Angelina (Mangano) Falotico
2018-01-27 3:41:32 PM
Kermit was my friend Marcie's and my mentor, as he was with everyone. His sense of humor was wonderful, especially when one was overly serious about school. He made everyone feel comfortable and valued. Kermit - thank you - and we all loved you.
Written by Joan Humphreys
2018-01-28 6:26:09 PM
I completed coursework for my B.Arch. in July 1977. As a transfer student and a Jamaican citizen, I found Architecture School to be hellish and confusing and it worsened my chronic depression. Professor Kermit Lee's nuanced lectures and great personal kindness and compassion helped me to graduate. I am sorry i did not tell him how much he helped me to survive. I am sorry for your loss of a wonderful human being. ~Diana Hillengas
Written by Diana Hillengas
2018-02-02 7:49:12 PM
Dear Lee Family, I was sadden to read about Kermit's passing on in the S.U. alumni news. I have lovely, sweet memories of my friendship with Deborah and our visits to your house to babysit and share time together with you. You were a well respected man of knowledge and devoted to your family. My heartfelt condolences to your beautiful family. Fondly, Judy McNally Warner
Written by Judith Warner
2019-01-01 10:08:56 PM
Post a Message of Sympathy
Karin, I have loved learning about your father from your loving stories about him and from this tribute--such an impressive career. Sending you and your family love and deepest sympathy.
Written by Vanessa Diana
2018-01-19 10:28:02 PM
Dear Karen; What a legacy you have before you. I am so sorry for his passing and your sadness, but it is clear that many of his greatest loves, happiest moments and satisfying achievements live on in his profession and especially in you. May God's light shine on his soul and all of you. Sandy
Written by Sandra Kweder
2018-01-19 2:38:54 PM
Karin - Your dad was remarkable and a real trailblazer. Prayers lifted up for you and your family. Please accept my sincere condolences. Hugs.
Written by Stephanie Hyacinth
2018-01-19 3:30:34 PM
Karin, No surprise your dad was an amazing man! Much love to you and your family. Xoxo, Rebecca
Written by Rebecca Gerber
2018-01-19 4:31:22 AM
An excellent architect,and an even better person, Kermit will be missed by many. Remembering all the good times in the past... Condolences to the family.
Written by Dan & Kathy Rabuzzi
2018-01-19 7:16:31 PM
Karen - Your father was such a force and yet so kind and gentle in his ways. It was a privilege to be at the school of Architecture when he was still teaching. My thoughts are with your family at this time.
Written by Lara Turney
2018-01-20 12:09:44 PM
My deep condolences to your family. Although I never met Kermit, I know by my friendship with his son, Jason, what a beacon of love and inspiration he has been.
Written by Janet Locke
2018-01-20 12:54:13 AM
My fondest memories at the School of Architecture is with Kermit. In my second year he planted the seed that an Architect can do more than architecture and I focused my career accordingly. My thesis year I ran to Kermit's office and begged him to be one of my thesis counselors. Without him shepherding me through, I would have faced the forces of opposition that so many minority students faced at the School of Architecture. Kermit was everything to me. Thank You Karen for providing me the opportunity to share. Kermit was more than a professor to me, he was a friend, mentor, and represented all that I wanted to be. May God bless the Lee family at your time of sympathy.
Written by Richard Lendor
2018-01-20 1:40:23 PM
Dear Karin, Your father was beyond kind, beyond optimistic, beyond what I can put in words. I knew him for many years growing up as he and my dad worked together and I always looked up to him, always will. Sending love and condolences to you and your family, Kermit will always be a part of my life as he taught me to really have a goal of listening. Love from Harry, Joanne, Gianna, Amelia and Daniel
Written by Harry Skoler
2018-01-20 2:10:27 PM
My thesis advisor, mentor, and favorite professor ever. I was just thinking of him yesterday. He made me the architect I am today. So sorry for your loss.
Written by Kecia Lifton
2018-01-20 2:54:18 PM
I am just one of the many students that learned much more than architecture from Kermit - we learned humanity from him too. When I came before the NYS Board for my Architectural license, he was a welcome sight, an encouraging professional, and forever a profound mentor. His memory lives on in all who were touched by his generous, and convivial spirit.
Written by Peter Arsenault
2018-01-21 4:26:43 PM
Dearest Karin, I am so happy that I got to see your Mom and Dad, my mentor and guiding light, Kermit a few months ago at the Coming Back Together reunion. Just Kermit's presence at the School of Architecture was a ray of hope for me as an African American woman in the 1980's. He represented artistic intelligence, charisma and most importantly, HOPE that I could one day be just like him! I struggled through school for 2 out of 5 years and it was Kermit that made all the difference in my life. I know he is up in heaven re-designing everything he can get his hands on...I will cherish the video footage and photos (of my visit with Kermit) to inspire my children ages 4 and 6 to always go for their dreams!
Written by Lorraine ECHO Allen
2018-01-22 3:41:30 AM
My sympathies to the entire Lee family. Professor Lee made a lasting impact on me as a student and a professional. His memory will live on in the many lessons he taught, both in and outside of the classroom.
Written by Sheri Shaw
2018-01-22 7:57:19 PM
So sorry to get this news today. My sincere condolences to the Lee Family. Kermit made a lasting impression on me the very first day I met him at Syracuse. A great teacher, professional and friend. I will truly miss him. Albert Krull, AIA SU Class of 1976
Written by Albert Krull
2018-01-23 7:12:20 PM
Professor Lee was loved and appreciated by all of us in studio. He was respected for his ability to teach with wry wit, insight, and especially kindness.
Written by Cynthia Filkoff
2018-01-24 2:09:48 PM
I have fond memories of Professor Lee at Syracuse University in the early 1980's. He was kind, warm and passionate about architecture. If I recall correctly he told us he was married at Le Corbusier's Ronchamp Chapel, which was just about the coolest thing I had ever heard! My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Written by John Enright
2018-01-25 10:09:57 PM
Kermit Lee was a wonderful, wonderful man. His counsel, encouragement and teaching style was so important during my education at Syracuse University. I had the greatest respect for him as a professor and as a person. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. May you find comfort in the mark his teaching left on so many of us.
Written by Robert Healy
2018-01-25 10:10:03 PM
I'm so sorry to hear of Professor Lee's passing. He was a wonderful person and an inspiration to his students. I thought of him often after I graduated from SU in 1974. My condolences to the Lee family.
Written by Richard Szczypek
2018-01-25 10:33:33 PM
So sorry to hear this. He was one of my favorite professors and a lovely man.
Written by HELEN COHEN
2018-01-25 10:35:49 PM
My sincere condolences to Kermit's family and friends. My years at SU's school of architecture were so much richer because of Kermit. A brilliant mind with a kind and patient heart. A great recipe for a human. I know he will be missed. Steve Waehler '76
Written by Steven Waehler
2018-01-25 10:45:36 PM
I was saddened to hear about the loss of a great thinker who's wisdom I experienced in the early 1990's. Prof. Lee encouraged independent thinking that inspired the young minds at the dawn of both the internet age and early mornings on the campus to recycle, reuse, repurpose, reimagine. I hope that knowing the seeds he planted are maturing today into mature tangible ideas in the minds and work of all those that he led. CM Pravda @LifestYleBroker Chief Social Capitalist MARK YOUR SPOT NEWS (SU-95')
Written by CM Pravda
2018-01-25 10:47:36 PM
Those of us who were fortunate to have been students of Kermit Lee recall fondly his love for teaching and his ever practical advice that he generously ladled to us neophytes in training. Looking back after 36 years or so of practice, his guidance rings true. His optimism for the profession of architecture and education help to purge the inevitable cynicism that comes with the struggle to make it. His example makes us want to offer our time and knowledge to those who follow us as he so selflessly did.
Written by michael unger
2018-01-25 11:14:42 PM
I am saddened to hear of Professor Lee's passing. He was a brilliant and compassionate educator and I am proud to have memories of him as a mentor for both architecture and life.
Written by Don Petruncola
2018-01-25 11:31:08 PM
What a wonderful man! He was such a great inspiration to many. Rest in peace professor Lee.
Written by jonathan cowles
2018-01-25 3:49:53 PM
Sympathy, prayers and love to the entire Lee family. Kermit was truly a humanitarian, architect and educator to look up to, I'm proud to call him a mentor. I have remembered many of his stories...my favorite being his excitement of becoming a newly registered architect and using his stamp on everything...including his babies!
Written by Robin Wandersee Hargrave
2018-01-25 7:53:02 PM
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Prof. Kermit J. Lee, Jr. He was my advisor during my days at the School of Architecture. It was not surprising to people that the majority of the International and/or minority students in the Architecture program chose Prof. Lee as their academic advisor. He understood perfectly the enormous cultural intricacies and barriers confronting many of these students, more especially in their beginning years in the School of architecture at Syracuse University. He was humble, patient and more importantly, had the innate ability to listen intently to his students. He was not just an academic advisor, but a father and a mentor to many of us who came from different cultural backgrounds. Prof. Lee ran his race with dignity and endurance. May his soul rest in perfect peace! Our condolences to Prof. Lee’s family and friends from the Egbuna family. He will be greatly missed. Gregory I. Egbuna ‘87
Written by Gregory Egbuna
2018-01-26 10:46:41 PM
Kermit arrived at Syracuse while I was a student there. He was not only my teacher and mentor, he was my employer. I worked for the Architects Partnership while in schooling it helped me pay for my way through. It was only later as I entered the job market in NY that I came to understand what a gift I had gotten from the varied experience afford me by that generous man.To this day I remember what an inspiration he was to me during my school years. I came out of school way ahead of my peers from other schools because of the architecture and life skills I learned from Kermit. Years later, after his stroke, I saw him in Syracuse. H arrived at and AIA convention I was attending. Although confined to a wheel chair, the wheel chair did not confine him. He was irrepressible and the same happy positive Kermit I knew as my teacher. Years after that when I was teaching a studio at school, I went to visit and discovered that, despite losing his ability to draw with his right hand as a result of the stroke, he had taught himself to draw with his left hand. I have never known a more beautiful drawing hand than his and it was not diminished by switching from left to right. To this day i cherish a calendar done from his later drawings and aspire to his unrelenting optimism, kindness and talent. Kermit, you will live on in my heart and I feel privileged to have known you. I do not know the Lee family well, but my sincerest condolences to you. Your father was a unique man and it is with profound sadness that I share your sorrow.
Written by Frederick Stelle
2018-01-26 12:48:14 AM
Kermit arrived at Syracuse while I was a student there. He was not only my teacher and mentor, he was my employer. I worked for the Architects Partnership while in school it helped me pay for my way through. It was only later as I entered the job market in NY that I came to understand what a gift I had gotten from the varied experience afford me by that generous man.To this day I remember what an inspiration he was to me during my school years. I came out of school way ahead of my peers from other schools because of the architecture and life skills I learned from Kermit. Years later, after his stroke, I saw him in Syracuse. H arrived at and AIA convention I was attending. Although confined to a wheel chair, the wheel chair did not confine him. He was irrepressible and the same happy positive Kermit I knew as my teacher. Years after that when I was teaching a studio at school, I went to visit and discovered that, despite losing his ability to draw with his right hand as a result of the stroke, he had taught himself to draw with his left hand. I have never known a more beautiful drawing hand than his and it was not diminished by switching from left to right. To this day i cherish a calendar done from his later drawings and aspire to his unrelenting optimism, kindness and talent. Kermit, you will live on in my heart and I feel privileged to have known you. I do not know the Lee family well, but my sincerest condolences to you. Your father was a unique man and it is with profound sadness that I share your sorrow.
Written by Frederick Stelle
2018-01-26 12:48:14 AM
I offer my sympathy to Kermit's family who I do not know, just that he was proud of them. He was my best friend in the class of 1957, a group with a good number of non mainstream people. I only learned in his obituary that he was the first black graduate of SU Architecture School but his real distinction was his brillance,humor and optimisim
Written by Joanne (nee Jacob) Goldfarb
2018-01-26 2:39:25 PM
Kermit was one of my most memorable professors that I remember from Syracuse. I'm am very sorry for the family's loss. I am just sorry I didn't get to know him much better since I always thought he was one of the most interesting, authentic , intelligent,and kindest professors I have had. Rest in Peace. Warmest thoughts Stefanie MArch1991
Written by Stefanie Breitung-Duffy
2018-01-26 2:49:54 AM
Single most important teacher, mentor, and influence that I had at SU. Kermit set a high bar as an educator and as a person, one that all aspire, yet few attain. God bless you dear friend, my best to your family. Edward C. Armstrong, B Arch '74
Written by Edward Armstrong
2018-01-26 5:27:06 PM
My sincere sympathy to all of Kermit's family and friends. He was my mentor and favorite professor at Syracuse and he will be missed by many. Jeff Ludwig Class of 1974
Written by Jeff Ludwig
2018-01-26 5:40:01 PM
I've just read the numerous messages posted in memory of Kermit. They all say the same thing, he was a friend, colleague & mentor to so many of us, I was lucky to know him. All I can add is that I thank him for being there that "dark" day in my 3rd year when I felt just hopeless in studio. His words of encouragement got me through my "funk" and kept me going. Since 2011 I've had the opportunity to "teach" 3rd year students at the Marywood University School of Architecture. Every time I have a struggling student, I think of Kermit & hope my comments and words of encouragement are worth of Kermit's example. Although I only met Kermit's family once, briefly at some point in the early 70's, may his memory be a blessing. Carl J. Handman, AIA '74
Written by Carl J. Handman AIA
2018-01-26 5:51:45 PM
While working on a freshman design problem, Kermit, an upperclassman and student leader came by to discuss and he made a sketch. I followed that sketch and received an "A" on "my" design solution. (Confessing to cheating some 60 years after the fact!) However, this incident showed the outgoing nature, interest and enthusiasm that characterized his outstanding career as teacher, practitioner and leader of the profession. Kermit Lee is one of my most prominent memories of my time at the S.U. School of Architecture. My sympathies and best wishes for the Lee family.
Written by Paul Hanreeder, Class of 1960
2018-01-26 6:41:10 PM
So sorry to hear this news. Kermit was my Adviser at SU Arch back in the early 70s. He was a wonderful mentor and friend who helped shape my venture into the profession of Architecture. His wisdom and encouragement were invaluable. Plus, we both had the bond of New England roots; the twinkle in his eye and the warmth of his smile when we talked about that connection still remain with me. My condolences to the entire family, and my admiration to a wonderful man. Stephen Rich, B Arch '74
Written by Stephen Rich
2018-01-26 9:28:23 AM
So sorry to hear this news. Kermit was my Adviser at SU Arch back in the early 70s. He was a wonderful mentor and friend who helped shape my venture into the profession of Architecture. His wisdom and encouragement were invaluable. Plus, we both had the bond of New England roots; the twinkle in his eye and the warmth of his smile when we talked about that connection still remain with me. My condolences to the entire family, and my admiration to a wonderful man. Stephen Rich, B Arch '74
Written by Stephen Rich
2018-01-26 9:41:41 AM
My sincerest condolences to the Lee family. I was privileged to be in Professor Lee's 2nd year studio at Syracuse University in the 80's. In his own unique way, he taught us how to look at architecture differently and to to think outside of the box. He changed the way I saw design, our profession and myself. His humor, kindness, encouragement and compassion were a true blessing. I will remember him always with great fondness.
Written by Angelina (Mangano) Falotico
2018-01-27 3:41:32 PM
Kermit was my friend Marcie's and my mentor, as he was with everyone. His sense of humor was wonderful, especially when one was overly serious about school. He made everyone feel comfortable and valued. Kermit - thank you - and we all loved you.
Written by Joan Humphreys
2018-01-28 6:26:09 PM
I completed coursework for my B.Arch. in July 1977. As a transfer student and a Jamaican citizen, I found Architecture School to be hellish and confusing and it worsened my chronic depression. Professor Kermit Lee's nuanced lectures and great personal kindness and compassion helped me to graduate. I am sorry i did not tell him how much he helped me to survive. I am sorry for your loss of a wonderful human being. ~Diana Hillengas
Written by Diana Hillengas
2018-02-02 7:49:12 PM
Dear Lee Family, I was sadden to read about Kermit's passing on in the S.U. alumni news. I have lovely, sweet memories of my friendship with Deborah and our visits to your house to babysit and share time together with you. You were a well respected man of knowledge and devoted to your family. My heartfelt condolences to your beautiful family. Fondly, Judy McNally Warner
Written by Judith Warner
2019-01-01 10:08:56 PM