The Rick Lee Charitable Fund

Rick always rooted for the underdog...

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Rick Lee passed away on December 11, 2022 surrounded by his family. In loving memory and to honor and perpetuate his life of generosity, his family has established the Rick Lee Charitable Fund.

Rick was a lifelong athlete and a scholarship football player at the University of Connecticut. It was there that he met his future wife, Rita Rubelsky, and they enjoyed 46 years of marriage before he passed. They were blessed with twin sons, Ryan and Conner and a daughter Allison. He loved his family unconditionally, which grew to include a son-in-law David and grandson Palmer as well as a daughter-in-law Norma and grandson Ethan.

After graduation Rick was hired at IBM and worked there for four years. In 1980, he shifted gears and became a broker at Coldwell Banker Commercial where he worked for 16 years. During this time, Rick became their most successful sales agent in the United States. In 1996, he was recruited by Lee & Associates where he held the position of Principal until his passing. Rick brought his experience and hard working, “old school” salesmanship which helped cement Lee & Associates as a major player in the Phoenix market.

Rick was an avid golfer, a member of The Arizona Country Club, the Fiesta Bowl Committee, and was a proud member of The Thunderbirds – a prominent community service group – for 32 years. He held various leadership positions with the organization and worked tirelessly to help raise millions of dollars for local charities, including years of supporting the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Before his health prevented him from volunteering, Rick could always be found with dear friends in the community supporting charitable events and causes. He worshiped at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Phoenix and was a generous supporter of the Church throughout his life.

Rick Lee was an unparalleled communicator, life of the party with a contagious sense of humor who never met a stranger. He had the gift of putting everyone at ease and was unselfish with his time, wisdom and friendship. He gave confidence to those who needed it and encouraged people to dream what they themselves were afraid to dream. It is impossible to count the number of lives Rick touched and his family would be honored to know that you will be helping us to continue his legacy of unselfish generosity to anyone in need. We will be forever thankful for your donation.