Phineas Bartholomew Lee

phineas   lee

January 25, 1974 ~ October 15, 2023

Born in: Suwon, South Korea
Resided in: Vienna, Virginia

Phineas Lee passed away unexpectedly on Sunday October 15th from complications arising from a brief battle with cancer. He was 49 years old.

Phineas was born Yong Chul Lee on January 25, 1974 in Suwon, South Korea, to his mother Ok Soon Lee (October 18, 1943 – March 13, 2012) and father Tong Chun Lee (January 10, 1942 – August 16, 2023). The family, including his older sister Christine (Yun-kyung, May 22, 1971), moved to the United States later in 1974, settling in Silver Spring, Maryland.

In 1990, while a student in the International Baccalaureate program at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Phineas became a US Citizen. He graduated from Cornell University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. After graduation, he embarked on a career in Information Technology, first moving to Stamford, Connecticut and then various spots within Silicon Valley in California.

While he was living in Palo Alto in 2000, he was introduced to his future wife, Joyce (Joo-yun, November 3, 1977) Lee (Chong). Joyce lived in Seattle at the time, so they spent the first three months talking on the phone for hours without ever meeting. When she moved back to Maryland to finish her studies, Phineas traveled home and finally met Joyce in person. Shortly thereafter, he moved back east permanently to be near her. They were married on September 27, 2003 and moved to Centreville, Virginia, where they had their three children: Amelia Sophia (Sung-hyou, November 29, 2005), Nathaniel “Nate” Elias (Sung-kyi, April 8, 2008), and Atticus “AJ” Julian (Sung-woo, January 7, 2010). In 2012 the family moved to Vienna, Virginia, where they reside today. Amelia is a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh, Nate is a sophomore at Langley High School and AJ is in 8th grade at Cooper Middle School.

In December 2008, Phineas joined The Educe Group. He was a technical consultant with special expertise in integrating human resources software systems for large companies. In addition to this client work, Phineas was a part of the firm’s leadership team, managing employees and overseeing the firm’s IT systems, security, and office space in Bethesda and New York. Phineas became a Partner in 2020.

Phineas was known for his empathy, generosity, sense of humor and dedication to the people around him. He was not one to talk about what he did or was going to do – he simply acted, quietly, and often in some thoughtful way on another’s behalf. His sincerity and warmth made him a special friend and confidant to many, many people. He was what some would call an “old soul” and could be particular and curmudgeonly beyond his years. He loved sports, food, TV, and good substantive conversation. He was hilarious and had a unique sense of style. Phineas was devoted to his family. His greatest joy (not that he would likely say it out loud to them) was time spent with his wife and children, particularly in Harpers Ferry, various beaches up and down the east coast, bike trails in Northern Virginia and other travels and outdoor activities together. He was most proud when supporting them in their endeavors, whether it was coaching or rooting on a baseball, basketball or volleyball team from the sidelines, watching the marching band from the stands, or helping set up a tent for Joyce to display her work when she was selected for one of her many art shows and events.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, VA 22180. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Mark Catholic Church, 9970 Vale Road, Vienna, VA 22181. Burial will take place immediately following the Mass at Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that contributions be made to this fund for his children’s education (https://gofund.me/998ad671).

Services

Visitation: October 24, 2023 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Money and King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA 22180

703-938-7440

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial: October 25, 2023 10:30 am - 11:30 am

St. Mark Catholic Church
9970 Vale Road
Vienna, VA 22181

703-281-9100
http://www.stmark.org/

Final Resting Place: October 25, 2023 12:30 pm

Fairfax Memorial Park
9900 Burke Station Road
Fairfax, VA 22032

703-938-7440

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dear Phineas, You are an amazing person with a heart of gold. I am going to miss your intellect, wit and most importantly your friendship. May you rest in peace in your forever happy home. Love You.

  2. Joyce, my sincere sympathies. I recently lost my husband as well. And I want you to know you and your family will be in my prayers

  3. Dearest Joyce, Amelia, Nate and AJ,
    My heart fell when I heard this news. I met Phineas only one time but felt like I knew him through the stories Joyce would share about your family trips and adventures. What an incredible human being. My deepest sympathies are with for the loss your husband, father and friend. You are in my heart and prayers during this difficult time.

  4. Dear joyce, there are no words I can say to you in this moment that can describe how I feel for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family may he rest in peace.

  5. Dear Joyce, Christine, & family,

    With a heavy heart, I give my sincere condolences to you and your family. May his memories help you find peace and comfort. You’re in my prayers and thoughts. 🙏

  6. Joyce, Amelia, Nate and AJ,

    I was so deeply saddened to hear about the news, and I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for all of you.
    May you find strength and comfort during the time of sorrow.

  7. I am very surprised and saddened by the sudden news.
    Looking at the photo, I remember 20 years ago, buying ice cream on the way home from work and smiling brightly.
    I thought, “What a kind husband he is.”
    Please protect Juyeon, Lia, Nate, and AJ with your kind eyes there.

  8. Dear Joyce and children,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult moments. Phineas lived a full life and build a beautiful family that will forever treasure the sweet memories you shared together. May he rest in peace and may God give you the strength to continue your journey without him.
    Our condolences,
    Ardit, Eleni and Kristian Backa

  9. Dear Joyce, Amelia, Nate and AJ.

    We were deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news. Whenever we think of Phineas, we remember his wonderful smile. You are in our thoughts. May you find strength and comfort to tide over this very difficult time.

    Saumi, Raj, MIhika and Preenaka


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide