David T. Lee

David Theodore Lee passed away Saturday, July 5th, 2025, with his family and friends by his side. He was 55 years old.

During his life, David was many things to many people: a husband, brother, son, and good friend to many. He was an entrepreneur before he was old enough to drive: he was the first person in the neighborhood to own a computer, purchased with his newspaper delivery earnings, and the lone force behind his own house painting business. He dreamed of creating greater businesses, and he did: from a cabinet refinishing business while in college, to a thriving product development and sales company with customers from around the world.

While David was passionate about his business ventures, what he enjoyed most was creating and maintaining friendships, the most special of which was Karina, who became his wife. He developed the appreciation, love, and respect of a wide circle of friends who now carry with them all the positive thoughts and experiences that David brought into their lives. David organized trips, spearheaded clubs and organizations, and was always eager to host one of his famous barbecues wherever he went. If David was in town, you could be sure that a barbecue was in the planning and that everyone was invited.

David was a person of strong feelings and beliefs in many things. He believed that people who were down on their luck needed a chance, he helped family and friends when help was needed. He was passionate about seeing the right things done in his community: a community that was strong, diverse, and united. He opened his home to everyone around him, not least of which the many stray animals that found their way into his life.

 David was a "letter writer", as he was proud to proclaim. When there was an issue or injustice, David took action. He was a prolific political commentator, as passionate as he was about grilling and spices, but even when his beliefs seemed unshakeable, he could process new ideas and evolve his thinking.

David's family and friends remember him most for his generosity and his efforts to make others happy. David rarely, if ever, asked for help just for himself. He said that he didn't want to inconvenience anyone, though he literally traveled to the edges of the world, or spent weeks of his time just to help friends and family expecting nothing in return. David was fearless in his convictions, never intimidated by engaging the unknown, always thinking about new ways of doing things. His friends and family know that somehow, even now, he is somewhere devising product concepts, creating new ideas, taking everything to the next level, always.

On Saturday, July 19th, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM all those who knew David, his friends, family, and neighbors are invited to pay their final respects at Florida Mortuary Funeral Home at 4601 North Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33603.

Thereafter, at 4:00 PM, all are invited to David and Karina's home where together everyone can gather and celebrate David's life in his special cooking area where David was happiest, providing for his family and friends.