Norman P. Lee

CENTER LOVELL — Norman P. Lee of Sarasota, Fla. and Center Lovell, formerly of West Hartford, Conn., died peacefully in his sleep on May 10, 2012 at the home of his daughter in Ellington, Conn.

A 1958 graduate of Colby College in Waterville, he served two years in the Army before joining the Officer’s Training Program at Connecticut Bank & Trust in 1960. Norman graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking in 1978, was a board member and secretary  of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce. In 1990, he received the Chamber of Commerce Noah Webster Award recognizing his distinguished community involvement.

He retired from Fleet Bank as vice president and manager of the West Hartford Branch in 1994.  For the next two years, he served as interim executive director of The Bridge Family Center, Inc., in West Hartford, Conn.  From 1996 to 1998, he served as director of Alumni Relations, and Annual Giving and assistant director of Development at Watkinson School  in Hartford, Conn.

He then established residency in Sarasota, Fla., where he became active in that community as a member of the Executive Service Core of Manasota, Sarasota Audubon Society and the Civic League of Sarasota County.  He volunteered at The Ringling Museum of Art, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and was a member of the Meadows Chorus. He enjoyed  the many cultural offerings in Sarasota, attending the symphony and  various theaters.  He was a regular attendee at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Sarasota.  Norm participated in the spinning classes at Gold’s Gym and he served on the board of his condominium association.  Norm was a talented artist and was inducted into membership in 1967 in the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce.  His love of travel took him to Asia, Africa, Europe and Central America.  A favorite place was Bermuda, where he enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving vacation. Summers were spent on Kezar Lake,  a spot close to his heart.

Norman loved people and saw only the good in everyone.  It was said he didn’t have friends — only best friends. His efforts to keep in contact and organize get-togethers kept a large group of his Colby friends in touch through the 50 plus years following graduation. He was a compassionate, a generous friend with a positive outlook and wonderful sense of humor.

Norman leaves his wife of 50 years, Charlotte Clifton Lee; a daughter, Cynthia Lee Eckels of Ellington, Conn.; and four grandchildren; a brother, David P. Lee of Hanover, Pa.; a niece, and a nephew.

Norman was predeceased by his son, Bradford David Lee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to Hospice at Home & Community Health Services, Inc., P O Box 1199, Enfield, CT  06083-1199.

All are welcome to attend a celebration of Norman’s life to be held on Saturday, June 2, at 2 p.m. at Watkinson School, 180 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, Conn.