Michael P. Lee, Sr., 79, of Whitman died Wednesday Feb. 22 after a period of failing health. He was the loving husband of 21 years to Marie (Smith) Cotton-Lee and the late Jeanne (Parrott) Lee.

Born and raised in the Dorchester section of Boston he was the son of the late Michael F. and Catherine (Arrigal) Lee and a graduate of Dorchester High.

Michael had been a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy having served from 1952 – 1960, and was a long time member of the Whitman VFW Post #697.

He had been a resident of Whitman for more than 48 years and, before his retirement, Mike had worked as the Director of Maintenance for the Whitman school system from 1983-1999.

Mike was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots and in his younger years he had been an active member of local bowling leagues. He was a talented woodworker and willingly shared many projects with his family members.

In addition to his wife Marie he leaves his children Michael P. Lee, Jr. of Maryland, Donna Simono and her husband John of West Bridgewater, Patrick J. Lee and his wife Andrea of Raynham, Shawn Cotton and his companion Colleen of Easton and Kimberly Cotton Neely and her companion Sean of Whitman, and his sister Dorothy Lee of Whitman. He was the loving “Papa” to his grandchildren Caitlyn, Jaclyn, Rachael, Colleen, Maureen, Patrick, Joseph, Allyson, Jacob, Brayden, Miles and the late Rylee Lynne.  He is also survived by his three great grandchildren whom he adored Nicholas, Shealynn and Lars as well as many nieces, nephews and his special nephew Stephen Pittman and his wife Marge. He was the brother of the late John and Joseph Lee, Barbara Pittman and Catherine Neitsche.

His services will be held at 8:15 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27 from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel (Route 58 at the rotary) Whitman, followed by a funeral mass at 9 a.m in  Holy Ghost Church, Whitman. Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Mass. National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.

Donations in his name may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 29 Crafts Street – Suite 450, Newton, MA 02458.