Richard Allen Lee

 Chapel Hill, NC – Richard A. Lee, age 57, died on October 20, 2023. He was born on September 14, 1966 to the late Richard Lee and Delores DeMatteo Lee.

After enlisting in the United States Army, Richard embarked on a distinguished military career, achieving the rank of First Sergeant. His journey began as an Airborne Infantryman and included a daring combat parachute jump in Operation Just Cause in Panama. He received many awards and skill badges throughout his service, including a Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge and Ranger Tab. Richard honorably retired from the Army after 24 years of service.

After retirement from the Army, Richard embarked on several new adventures. Highlighting his love of cooking, Richard opened and operated King Richard’s Pasties, and a restaurant, Hero’s Place for several years. He took immense pride and invested his heart and soul into every aspect, from the meticulous design and renovation of the establishment to the creation of the menu, recipes and the art of preparing the food.

Richard’s post-military years also revealed his profound empathy and understanding of the silent struggles faced by many veterans and first responders battling PTSD. In pursuit of peace, he discovered the therapeutic value of gold prospecting, a form of PTSD Distraction Therapy. Fueled by an inheritance from his uncle Asa DeMatteo and Asa’s partner, Tom Brady, Richard founded “The DeMatteo Project”, a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding Veterans and First Responders in finding solace through prospecting. Each summer, Richard hosted a two-month camp, imparting the healing power of gold prospecting to participants. His selflessness and generosity were evident as he largely funded The DeMatteo Project almost entirely though personal resources, time and inheritance.

In his final years, Richard found serenity in a tranquil North Carolina home alongside partner, Faith Blair. His departure leaves a profound void, for he was a kind-hearted soul whose absence will be deeply felt by many. Richard’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the service of others. A trusted confidant, he possessed an empathetic ear, always ready to provide support and guidance, even when the words were tough to hear. Having faced his own share of tribulations, he became a compassionate friend to anyone in need, embodying honesty, trustworthiness, and unshakeable integrity. Richard’s culinary creations reflected his creative spirit and dedication to those he held dear, while his thirst for adventure led him to explore tropical destinations and earn his scuba certification in recent years.

Richard is survived by his loving partner, Faith Blair, his son, Joshua Lee, his daughter, Madelyn Lee, his grandson, Sam Lee, his granddaughter, Lyla Lee, and his former spouse Julie Lee, as well as his siblings and a multitude of family and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Richard’s life will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 from 4 pm – 7 pm at the VFW Post 4210, 556 12th St, SW, Forest Lake, MN 55025. A separate ceremony for interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be scheduled and announced at a later date.

The Lee family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.