It is with deep regret that the Alert Fire Co. No. 1 of Downingtown, PA announces the following:
Whereas, the Almighty God, in his infinite wisdom has removed from our midst on Thursday, January 22, 2026, one of our beloved brothers and Life Member, Robert E. Lee, 67, who was always found faithful in the discharge of his duties and whose every thought and purpose was for the welfare of his company and department. And, while we deeply regret and mourn the loss sustained in the death of our late brother, we bow in humble submission to the Divine Will.
Therefore, be it resolved that we, the members of the Alert Fire Co. No. 1 of Downingtown, PA, do hereby extend and convey to the bereaved family and friends our deep and heartfelt sympathy.
Robert “Bobby” E. Lee, 67, formally of Downingtown, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Chester County Hospital, West Chester, PA.
He was the beloved husband of Mary E. (Sload) Lee. Born in Coatesville and raised on Green St. in the East Ward of Downingtown, he was the son of the late Downingtown Fire Dept. Chief, Thomas E. Lee, Jr. and Barbara A. (Warren) Lee.
Bob graduated from Downingtown High School and Chester County Vocational Technical School in 1976.
He became an active volunteer firefighter at Alert on July 29, 1974, at 16 years of age, serving a total of 51 and a half years at the time of his passing. He was a Class A firefighter of the working force and served on several committees and fundraising events. In 1981 Bob transferred his Active Force Membership to the Minquas Fire Co. No. 2, where he became a Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Chief. Additionally, he became President of the Minquas and a Director and Secretary of the Downingtown Firemen’s Relief Association. Bob was awarded his Lifetime Membership of Alert in March 2010.
Bob was employed as a part time police officer, a 9-1-1 dispatcher and an operations technician with the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, for 45 years, before his retirement in October 2023.
He is survived by his wife Mary; children Amanda Smith (Clint), Ashley Powers (Mitch) and Alyse Gallagher: grandchildren Madison Powers, Trevor Powers, Emily Smith, Logan Powers, and Nora Smith. And the most important female in his life, his precious dog Peaches. He is also survived by his brother Thomas E. Lee III (Susan), Teresa Louise Rich (John) and Shari Lynn McIntyre (Scott), plus many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life service will be Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Minquas Fire Co. No. 2, 141 Wallace Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, and the service to follow.
Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to: PACK9 (PA Caring for K-9’s), 4210 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109.
