Lee A. Ayotte

MILLBURY – Lee A. Ayotte, 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 25th surrounded by his loving family at UMASS Hospital in Worcester. Lee was born on October 21st, 1942, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts to the late Charles and Helen Ayotte.

 He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathryn (Barrett) Ayotte. His daughter Susan Ayotte, of Millbury, his son Robert and his wife Michelle of Millbury, and his daughter Kathleen of Shelby, North Carolina. His grandchildren, Casie and Cameron Ayotte of Millbury; His Brother Martin Ayotte of Worcester; Sister and Brother-in-Law, Richard and Cynthia Douglass of Plymouth MA; Sister-in-Laws Katherine Barrett, Ruth Barrett, and Susan Barrett, along with many nieces and nephews.

Lee is predeceased by his parents Charles and Helen Ayotte, his in laws Robert and Jane (Barry) Barrett, his brother in laws Robert Barrett, James Barrett and Thomas Barrett. 

Lee was a graduate of South High School in Worcester, Class of 1960. After High School, Lee worked at the L Farber Company in Worcester before enlisting in the US Army where he served in Fort Dix and Germany. After returning to the states, Lee worked for Worcester County National Bank and at that time he met his future wife Kathy at the Speedway Club. Lee eventually had a long career with State Mutual, Allmerica and Hanover Insurance where he retired as the Vice President of Personal Lines Underwriting. 

Outside of work, Lee was an avid sports fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins. He was a founding member of the Millbury Fantasy Football League for 35 years. He also enjoyed local sports throughout his years, but his one constant was his passion for the Millbury Woolies. 

He also enjoyed coaching and watching his children dance and athletic endeavors. Lee coached in Millbury Youth Soccer, Millbury Pee Wee Basketball and Millbury Little League. Many of his former players would eventually grow and call him a friend. Lee cared deeply about the people he surrounded himself with and prided himself in always doing the right thing. 

Lee used his organizational and interpersonal skills to run the Millbury Men’s Softball league where he earned the nickname as “The Commish”. Most recently and until the time of his passing, he was a driving force in The Millbury Lions Club for all their fundraising and community activities. Lee earned many awards with the Millbury Lions Club including the Melvin Jones Fellow for Humanitarian Services in 2008, Lion of The Year 2006, 2009 and 2013. Lee also earned the District 33A Joseph J Camarda Fellowship Award 2011, the Presidential Award for Massachusetts Lions Eye research in 2012, Millbury Lions Club Veteran award 2015 and the Millbury Lions Club Distinguished Service award in 2018. Lee also was known as the “Can Man” where he collected and returned over 40,000 recyclable cans for the Lions benefit. Lee also was active with the Millbury Senior Center. 

 Lee was an incredible husband, father, Papa and brother. If you enjoyed a cold beer, a conversation or needed advice, you had a friend in Lee. Lee had a passion for music, played the Banjo and was never afraid to step up and sing Karaoke. His favorite song to sing was My Way. 

 Lee was a family man who always enjoyed family get togethers for Holidays, birthdays or “just because”. However, the last 22 years, Lee’s primary focus was enjoying his grandchildren with whom he shared a special bond. Whatever they did, he was there to support them. He loved watching Cam compete at anything but especially loved watching him throw a football and the apple of his eye was Casie, who he often referred to as “My Girl”.

The family wishes to Thank Dr. Shyam Patel for his friendship and guidance in caring for Lee. They would also like to Thank the entire team at UMass 8 West for their compassion but especially Sam and Kerri. Your patience, care and support for Lee was a blessing. 

Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Lee’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Wednesday, July 31st from 4 to 7 p.m. in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury. 

His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday August 1st at 10:30 a.m. in St. Brigid Church, 59 N. Main Street, Millbury with burial to follow in Central Cemetery, Millbury. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Millbury Lions Foundation, P.O. Box 385, Millbury MA 01527.