Robert W Lee

Robert Winthrop Lee (Rob, Junior, JR), a longtime resident of West Roxbury, passed away due to a highly aggressive and recently diagnosed form of leukemia. He was 54. Bob was born on January 9, 1971 in Boston, Massachusetts, one of the two sons of Bob F. and Ruth A. Lee. He graduated from The University of Rochester with a degree in economics where he enjoyed playing softball and indoor hockey, being a news reader on the college radio station (WRUR) and introducing people to Wegman’s. Later he obtained his Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell where he also forged lifelong friendships.

Following graduation, Robert put his MBA to work in the direct mail marketing field, working for firms connected to Fortune 500 firms, media content and publishing, catalog merchandise and medical sales. 

After volunteering for several years with Brookline Access Television, he made a dramatic career shift and founded his videography and livestreaming company, ShaLaLaLa Productions, where he worked tirelessly until his sudden illness.

Freed to pursue his passions, Robert thrived, creating award winning direct marketing productions and stretching his creative muscles to produce videos in diverse worlds - ranging from online commercials for local and national companies, equestrian events, strongman competitions and more.

His video productions featured renowned academics, local and Olympic athletes, politicians, military heroes, notable actors and actresses, musicians, artists and news personalities, but he also took time to feature members of his community and small businesses. Clients universally praised him for his thoroughness and his thoughtful personality.

As a livestream producer, Robert was the host or guest on an array of livestreamed productions and during the COVID-19 Pandemic, he used his skills to unite people around the world across several platforms.

Having his own business gave Robert the flexibility to do what he cared the most about- helping to take care of his family. Establishing a home-based office allowed him to see his parents every day and he provided essential support to their physical and emotional well-being, happily taking time out of his work day to join them for a meal or a game show episode or two, take them to their medical appointments, or stroll the aisles of Costco, sometimes pushing the cart and sometimes pushing dad's wheelchair.

Outside of work, he enjoyed going on family outings, often and proudly documenting what he referred to as “madcap and wacky hijinks” with his brother and parents on social media platforms. 

Large family gatherings always gave him joy, as it gave him the opportunity to unite two loves - catching up with family and delicious bites (especially ice cream).

His generous and caring heart was unmatched. Rob liked to check in with friends and loved ones with a text, phone or video message that simply started off by saying, “Just wanted to see how you were doing”.

It brought Robert great joy to make friends and connect with people on topics that he loved, such as comic books, pop culture, the Boston sports scene, Boston nostalgia and dim sum.

Robert believed in kindness, sharing and giving everyone an equal seat at the table and was unfailingly loyal to those who were kind to him and others. He loved giving and getting hugs.

Robert is survived by his mother, Ruth Fhenn Ginn (Ang) Lee, his brother Joshua E. Lee of Maynard, and Josh’s partner, Christine O’Malley of Roslindale. Visiting hours will be held Friday, March 7th, 2025 from 3 to 7 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at 11 am at the funeral home followed by burial in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge and a Celebration of Life at Waterford’s Restaurant at 2 Bridge St in Dedham, MA at 3:00pm.

In addition to flowers, gifts may be made to the Jack Jardin Westwood High School Scholarship, which supports two students annually who: 

1. 1) Are pursuing a career in video production and/or the arts; and
2. 2) Embody kindness and love for helping others.
3. 
   

Jack Jardin, Robert's cousin, was also a talented videographer with a tender soul and whose presence in this world was all too brief.  Donations to that scholarship may be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/scholarship-videography-students-shalalala-robert  

Gifts may also be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Robert Lee to support AML research and patient care at https://dana-farber.org/gift

Please take the time to look at the links below to see Robert's video talents and examples of his kindness.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9kKGKAfuhI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOSFg3PQH00&list=PLcRqL8eXX4oOgwq1VmL51JX234Y49s4d

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZIk1gg6dsY&list=PLcRqL8eXX4oMNrtAbra0fP3mMPnv9QLYX&index=8

https://www.instagram.com/p/Czlkq97OeMV/