Brian Edwin Lee, Sr., age 64, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 11, 2025, at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey. He was born on October 27, 1961, in Cullman, Alabama.
Mr. Lee is preceded in death by his: parents, Harold Loyd Lee, Sr. & Lenore Irene (Machulis) Lee; and brother, Harold Loyd Lee, Jr. He is survived by his: wife, Catherine Elizabeth (Larsen) Lee; son, Brian Edwin Lee Jr. & Ananda Van den Steen; son, Justin Tyler Lee; daughter, Nicole Marie (Caruso) & James Anasto; grandchildren, Aidan James & Ava Marie Anasto among many extended family members throughout the United States.
Brian grew up in Vinemont, Cullman County, Alabama, where he worked throughout his youth and early adulthood at Lee Ice Company, his family’s ice production and distribution business. He played varsity football for the Warriors and graduated from West Point High School, Class of 1980. That summer he enrolled at Auburn University, and started the animal science degree track with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian.
During his years at Auburn, Brian created lifelong memories on campus, especially during the college football season at Jordan-Hare stadium. Whether he was watching from the stadium or viewing the games from the sideline as a member of Auburn’s student scout team or scrimmage line, he was always a diehard Tiger’s fan.
In the mid-1980s, Brian relocated to Pass Christian, Mississippi with his father and brother. Together, the three built a beautiful design-build residential home on Bluelake Cove, just three blocks from the Gulf Coast. During this period, and following in his father’s footsteps, Brian initiated with IBEW Local 903 in 1984 and completed his apprenticeship program in 1998. Brian worked as a Journeyman Inside Wireman alongside his father for many years. Their work took them across the country, contributing to major projects including shipbuilding at Ingalls Dockyard and construction of multiple power plants. In 2024, Brian was honored with his 40-year IBEW membership pin in Mississippi.
While traveling for work, Brian was able to support initiatives at Saint Barnabas Hospital as an electrical contractor with his Dad in the early 1990’s. It was during this chapter of his life that he met his future wife, Cathy Larsen. Several years later, the couple returned to the south with Cathy’s daughter, Nicole, and they were married in Mobile, Alabama. They welcomed their first son, Brian Jr. in 1992 and soon returned to New Jersey to raise their family. In 1994, their second son, Justin was born and the family resided in West Orange, NJ for many years.
In 1992, Brian initiated with IUOE Local 68 and began working at Saint Barnabas Hospital as a Lead Electrician in the Engineering Department. Known affectionately as “Bubba” for his strong Southern accent, Brian served the hospital faithfully for over 30 years of employment. He was also an active union leader, serving as an Executive Board Member from 2014 to 2021.
Brian’s favorite pastimes included: hunting deer & birds, fishing, swimming, playing golf, camping, bush hogging, and watching NASCAR after church on Sundays. He was also a devoted adult leader for Cub Scout Pack 106 and Boy Scout Troop 6 NNJC, organizations in which both of his sons were members of. Above all, he loved cheering on Auburn football on Saturday nights wherever his travels took him throughout life. Brian will be remembered for his warmth, his long stories, and his unforgettable personality.
As a dedicated Born-Again Christian, Brian attended and belonged to several churches throughout his lifetime, including: First Baptist Church in Pass Christian, MS; West Essex Baptist Church (now, The Crossing Church) in Livingston, NJ; and several in establishments in Cullman, AL including: 7th Street Baptist Church, Temple Baptist Church and Panama Missionary Baptist Church where he will be laid to rest.
