Lee Arthur Delphia, 76, of Waterbury passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. He was born in Middlebury, the son of Ernest and Georgianne (Shackett) Delphia. In 1960, Lee married the former Patty Felion of Middlebury and had four children; they later divorced. In 1975, Lee married the former Donna Baker and had one daughter.
Lee held a number of different jobs throughout his lifetime. He worked as a lineman for FW Tucker of Middlebury; he worked as a chef at a number of establishments before becoming a restaurant owner in the 1970s. When he left the restaurant industry, Lee worked in construction for many years for EF Wall & Associates before founding and operating Delphia Construction in Waterbury in 1989. Lee retired in April 2004.
Lee loved racing and served as an official at Catamount Speedway and Thunder Road for many years. He enjoyed camping with his wife and watching his New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox and his sons play baseball and softball over the years. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and watching their sports exploits. He also looked forward to his morning coffee breaks with the guys at the Mobil station.
Lee was a member of the Harry N. Cutting American Legion Post 59 Sons of the American Legion and was a former member of the Waterbury Fire Department.
He is survived by his wife, Donna of Waterbury; sons, Gary and his wife Lori of Moretown, Brian of Duxbury, and Rick of East Calais; daughters, Pam of Burlington and Tracy and her husband Jeff Cook of Worcester; grandchildren, Kasey Grout and husband Kris, David, Ashley, Chelsea and Ty Delphia and Chris Wright and Jamie Wright; six great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Young of Brandon; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law.
Lee was predeceased by his parents; brother, Marvin; mother-in-law, Alma Baker; brother-in-law, Clarence “Billy” Baker; and a special aunt, Dolly Cyr.
Calling hours were held Sunday, November 15, 2015, at Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services were held on Monday, November 16, 2015, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Waterbury at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow at the Waterbury American Legion, 16 Stowe Street, Waterbury. Burial will take place in Hope Cemetery in Waterbury. The family requests that flowers be omitted; rather memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Waterbury Area Senior Center, 14 Stowe Street, Waterbury, VT 05676. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com.
