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Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Henry N.J. Lee passed away peacefully on January 9, 2023, surrounded by love with his family by his side.Henry was born on June 6, 1930, in Castner Village located outside of Schofield Barracks. He was the son of Gil Taik and Yamo Lee with three sisters and five brothers. He grew up in Wahiawa and attended Leilehua High School. At the age of fifteen, he followed his dream and enlisted in the U.S. Army serving during WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
In 1969, Henry retired from the Army at the age of 39 years old with twenty-four years of service. His desire was to continue his education so he attended the University of Hawaii and earned a Bachelor of Education Degree in 1974 with a Professional Teaching Certificate. Henry really enjoyed teaching Social Studies at Nanakuli and Waianae Public Schools.
After the Department of Education, he continued working in public service for the State Department of Regulatory Agency's Professional and Vocational Licensing Boards and Commissions. Beginning in 1985, he served twelve years with the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board and was elected Chairman for six of them. In December of 1992, he was honor to be appointed by Governor John Waihe'e to the State Boxing Commission, as Chairman serving for five years.
Henry also found time throughout his life to be a member of Chapter 483 Military Order of the Purple Heart, Korean Veterans, Disabled American Veterans, Hawaii Army Museum, Veterans Gerofit Program, Olive United Methodist Church, Wahiawa Lions Club, Hawaiian Korean Chamber of Commerce, Wahiawa Ballroom Organization and Dance Clubs through the Department of Adult Education as a dance instructor.
Henry is survived by his wife of 69 years, Rose and have five children; Laura (Paul) Putzulu, Henry (Cheryl), Russell (preceded in death), Lissa Collins, Leslie (Ivan) Miyashiro; three grandchildren, Mitchell (Emily) Lum, Brent (Jenise) Putzulu, Krissa (Michael) Baffi; and great-grandchildren who loved him very much; Braden, Ava, Mia, Aidan, Oreste and Colin. He is also survived by his sister: Sara Miller; hanai daughter: Terilynn Okumura; and furry best friend: Snowy.
A Celebration of Henry's Life will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Mililani Memorial Park and Mortuary, Mauka Chapel. Visitation: 5:00 p.m. Service: 6:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.
