ALBANY – Charlie Zee, formerly of Liberty, NY and a resident of Albany for 25 years, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2009. He was born in China on September 18, 1919, leaving home at age 17 to work as a merchant marine. Charlie served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1949 in air transport and was stationed in Norfolk before serving overseas in Guam and Shanghai. After the Navy, he settled in NYC. He moved to Liberty to work full time for Grossinger’s Hotel where he worked for 25 years before retiring. He was a member of the Clarence V. Hoyt VFW Post 9217 and Hotel Restaurant and Bartenders Union Local 76. Charlie received his high school diploma from Shaker High school in Colonie in May, 2001, as part of the State of New York’s recognition of our WW II veterans.
Charlie is survived by his four children: Richard (Haley) of San Diego, Donald (Patricia) of Albany, Florence (Robert) Sena of Orlando, and Teddy of Los Angeles, and two granddaughters, Katherine and Mia of Los Angeles. He is also survived by his two sisters, Hai Ying Lee and Sue Ying Yang, both of Queens, NY. He was predeceased by his wife, Chu Yue.
Calling hours will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, on Friday from 4-7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be held privately on Saturday in Paramus, NJ. To leave a message of condolence for the family, view or print a memorial card, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Faye and Larry Smolowitz
Dear Flo,
We are so sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. It’s a shock—
a loss you surely didn’t anticipate at this time. May his memory be
a blessing to you now and in the future.
Fondly,
Faye and Larry
Bernie and Rosemary Kolacki
When you lose a love one , part of you is carried away. We learn to appriciate the days we have together and cherish the memories left behind. We care and pray you stay strong. Bernie and RO
Andrew and Amanda (Lee) Osgood
To Charlie’s Family:
We are very sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Andrew and Amanda (Lee) Osgood
Connie and Fletcher Swezey
Dear Flo,
We know how much you loved your dad, and how much you’ll miss him. It doesn’t seem to matter how old they were, one never seems to be ready to lose a parent. You, Bob and your family will continue to be in our prayers. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
Love,
Connie and Fletcher
David Michaels and Family
Dear Don,
We are sad to hear of the unexpected passing of your father.
Though I have never had the opportunity to meet him, I am sure he had a strong and positive influence on your life , especially with your drive to be such a success !
Kindest regards to you and your family,
Dave Michaels
Betty Brownell & Rich Kriz
We’re going to miss seeing your dad as we drive by. Watching him lovingly tend your garden has been a pleasure that all of us have enjoyed. He was just outside. It’s so sudden. Our deepest sympathy.
Lily Lee Pearson
Dear Richard, Donald, Florence,Teddy,
I am so very sorry to hear of your Father’s passing.
I will always remember him as my Uncle Charlie who was not only my mother’s older brother but a dear friend of my father’s for more than 60 years.
Bless you all.
Lily
Eric and Terri Spaulding
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy in the loss of your loved one. We are neighbors of his daughter, Flo. Please accept our condolences.
Andy Wong
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Charlie’s passing; my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I just found out and will tell Mom the sad news later today when she wakes up. I haven’t seen or spoken to you all in such a long time, but please know that I am with you all in thought and prayer. Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you all.
Cousin Andy (formerly Monticello, NY)
Mitch, Maria & Family
My Dearest Cousins,
What words can I utter to ease the pain?
Who should place a gentle hand upon your shoulder?
When will the sorrow pass?
My words are here for you, though they are dust compared to your grief.
I’m a thousand miles away, yet my hand is on your shoulder.
Time…heals and leaves loving memories of those we love.
He touched our souls and our world is forever brighter.
Love Mitch, Maria & Family
Robert & Terry Walsh
Don & Pat:
Terry & I wish to offer our condolences on the passing of Don’s father.
Always remmember him in the ways that make you smile, for he is at rest and will have nothing by joy in the hereafter, any suffering or pain he once felt is now ended and he shall have a glorious life with family and friends that passed before him.
Again, we mourn your loss and wish the best to you both and the family.
Bob & Terry
Frank and Linda Duggan and family
Rich and the Zee family,
Our most sincere condolences on the loss of your father, clearly the partriarch of the Zee family.
While I never met Mr. Zee, I felt like I knew him from the many times Rich and I would talk of him fondly.
Reading your father’s obituary, it is evident that he was a most unique man. I know how much he was loved and also know how much he meant to his family.
I am sure he has found a special “garden” in heaven to tend.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all and Mr. Zee, and to Rich and Haley, we love you very much.
Frank, Linda, Sheila and R.J.
Maria DiMenna
Dear Flo, Bob, and Family,
I am sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Bob will remember that my Dad died when I was at HWS. Though it is difficult to lose a parent at the age of 20, I can only imagine how hard it is to say goodbye after having him to love for so many years.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Maria and Bill
Melanie & Judy
We are still thinking of you …
Melanie, Judy, Sarah & Matt