Brian H. Lee 1957-2021

Brian was born in Corry, Pa., on July 17, 1957, the son of Theda Cupples Lee, who raised him, and Howard E. Lee. He lived all of his life in the Warren / Youngstown area until moving to Jacksonville, Fla., in 2019, for health reasons. He attended Warren Western Reserve High School. He graduated with academic honors from Trumbull Business College, with an associate degree in medical transcribing and coding. His last employment in Ohio was at Infocision in Austintown.

Brian was an actor, playwright, writer, musician, songwriter, singer, comedian, guitarist, cat lover, movie buff, director, Neil Simon fan, avid Stephen King fan, Browns fan, lover of women and a “hopeful” romantic. He was a true Renaissance man. His personality was bigger than life and always made friends wherever he went. As talented as he was, he always remained humble and genuine.

For almost 40 years, he played a huge role in the Warren area theatre and arts community. He was an accomplished playwright having written many original plays, skits and short stories. He also was a talented actor and director. He performed in Warren’s Ghost Walks. He also performed in the band Sweet Dreams at many of the Opening Night New Year’s Eve events. He participated in many productions at Trumbull New Theatre, The Youngstown Playhouse, The Victorian Players, Back Door Theatre, Oakland Center for the Arts and The Rust Belt Theatre. He formed lifelong friendships with many directors, writers and fellow performers. He also won many local and state theatre awards.

Brian also was a talented singer and guitarist, playing both the 6- and 12-string guitars. He wrote many songs and played professionally throughout his life at many events. He was a big movie fan and well-studied on movie trivia.

He enjoyed living in Florida for the past two years. He liked following the ocean weather and was especially excited to see his first rocket launch at Cape Canaveral.

Brian was a devout Catholic and played many guitar Masses at Christ Our King Church and St. Cyril Church. He loved his Catholic faith and was a strong Christian.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brother, Patrick T. Lee; aunt and uncle, Rose and John Cupples; and his special aunt that helped raise him, Helen P. Cupples.

He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Valerie Mountfort (Kenneth) of Jacksonville, Fla., with whom he made his home; daughter, Jennifer Ruckman (James) of Howland; brother, Michael Lee (Kim) of Cortland; sister, Linda Crowley (Thomas) of Howland; nephew, Adam Dawson of Warren; nephew, Christopher Lee and niece, Shannon Eanes; granddaughters, Mikhayla Ruckman of Newton Falls, Madison Bates (Adam) of Girard, Jenna Ruckman of Hubbard and Jade Potase (Austin) of Cortland; his great-granddaughter, Nora Ruckman and great-grandson, Renly Bates; as well as his ex-wife and mother of his children, Penny Holbrook.

He’ll also be missed by his best girlfriends and movie / theatre buddies, “Brian” Angels,” Deb Lavelle, Connie Cassidy and Lu Harding.

Cremation has taken place by Naugle and Schnauss Funeral Home in Jacksonville, Fla. A celebration of Brian’s wonderful life is being planned and will be announced in the near future.

Brian has exited stage left.

In lieu of flowers, he would ask you to instead, watch a movie, attend a play, attend a concert, sing a song, dance like nobody’s watching, read a book, tell a joke, learn something new, talk to a stranger, make a new friend, take a chance, give someone a hug, and tell someone you love them, in his memory.

“God has dimmed the lights … the curtain closes … and scene.”

(special notice)