Lee Anthony DeFelice, 79, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 10th, 2021. Lee was a loving husband and father.
Lee was born on May 6, 1941 to Paul and Theresa DeFelice in Wakefield, Massachusetts. As a young man, Lee developed a passion for music. As a drummer, he recorded songs with The Dusters in 1959. After graduating from Wakefield Memorial High School in 1959, he joined the Army and was stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He played and travelled in the Norad band as a percussionist. This experience led him to participate in numerous concerts, including at Carnegie Hall which he was very proud of. After his service in the military, he went on to study music at New Mexico State University where he earned his Bachelors of Music degree. He went on to earn a Masters of Fine Arts in music at the University of Iowa in 1971, then taught in the music department at University of Central Missouri.
He began his 47+ year career with Kansas City Life Insurance Company in 1972 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During his tenure, he achieved General Agent status and became a Chartered Life Underwriter in 1980. In addition to providing insurance services, Lee expanded his career working as a financial advisor for Sunset Financial Services. Lee’s dedication and compassion for his client’s needs was unparalleled, one that he took great pride in, thus earning him several accolades throughout his career.
He is survived by his wife Jan DeFelice; his children Jeffery, Matthew, Dain and Kendra DeFelice; siblings Michael DeFelice; step-mother Darnell DeFelice; grandchildren Joel, Brady, Morgan and Lennon DeFelice; Lucien and Esme Braun, and Ziyann Cuevas; and great grandson Roman DeFelice. Lee was preceded in death by his mother and father Paul and Theresa DeFelice, and his sister Dawn Richards.
Lee loved music, food, conversation, cars and of course the Broncos. He was a compassionate force of nature, dedicated to giving support to his family and friends. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world; something he often mentioned. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and always tried his best to support them.
A visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm on Monday, February 15, 2021 at Shrine of Remembrance; 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO. A private memorial service will be held for the family.
Memorial donations may be made in the name of Lee to the American Kidney Fund; American Kidney Fund- In Honor of Lee DeFelice.
Mike &Jackie Provenzano
15 Feb 2021Dear Jan and family,
Our first encounter with Lee was in 1972 when he began working with my dad, Fred Provenzano. Over the years, Lee was our agent and was our friend. He was an excellent advisor and always went above and beyond to take care of us. He was also a wonderful and cherished friend to the Fred Provenzano family who influenced our lives and warmed our hearts with his devotion to his family and his friends. He will be long remembered.
Stephen P. Banks
26 Oct 2021Dear Jan, I was grieved to learn of Lee’s passing. Lee and I were high school pals, played music together in several local bands, worked part-time jobs together, played sports together, and shared many grand adventures in our youth. I knew his family well and have fond memories of his mother’s kitchen. We both left Wakefield following high school and soon lost touch. I never was sure I had found him on my Internet searches, because he didn’t reply to my timid efforts to contact him. If you would like to contact me, I would love to share with you some of my stories of Lee’s wonderful sense of humor and his extraordinary talents. Best regards, Steve Banks
Dale Newlin
7 Feb 2023I knew Lee during his time as a grad assistant at the U of Iowa. As an under grad percussion major myself I appreciated his interest and enthusiasm. Rest In Peace. Dale Newlin