Dr. Ching Yung Lee

Dr. Ching Yung Lee, nicknamed Dr. Tom Lee, passed away in Abilene, TX on January 20, 2026, at age 90.

Dr. Lee was born in Pingtung, Taiwan on September 22, 1935. He obtained his MD from National Taiwan University in 1961. He did his medical internship at Brooklyn Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Inspired by medical research, he attended University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he married Sabrina Lin, a fellow graduate student, in 1966. He graduated with a PhD in physiology; Sabrina, with a PhD in physics. Two baby sons were born in 1969 and 1970.

Dr. Lee joined the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and did impressive medical research in endocrinology from 1970 to 1976, receiving many honors and awards. He achieved national and international prestige for his contributions to the field of endocrinology. He was invited to speak at international conferences, including a 30-day lecture and workshop at Beijing University, jointly sponsored by the US and Chinese Health Associations. It was the happiest time of his life, raising two boys and welcoming a lovely new baby daughter to the family.

Dr. Lee returned to medical practice to be better able support his family. He did his pathology residency at University of Minnesota from 1976 to 1980 and accepted a position as Associate Professor of Pathology at University of Texas in Houston. He held his TX medical license since 1980. He and his wife were blessed with their fourth child, a healthy, beautiful baby boy born at University of Texas Hermann Hospital.

For 30 years, Dr. Lee served US veterans as a Pathologist at the Albany Veterans Administration Medical Center in Albany NY. He was also a Professor of Pathology at Albany Medical College, training medical students and residents. The Lee family flourished: the four children grew up, received excellent educations, began their careers, married, and had their own families, providing Dr. Lee and his wife with seven priceless grandchildren.

Dr. Lee retired in 2012 and moved to Abilene, TX with his wife to enjoy the sunshine and to join their son, Dr. Victor. Life in Texas was relaxed, happy and enjoyable. He and his wife joined Wylie Baptist Church and visited Rose Park Senior Citizen Center daily. They took frequent leisurely trips, including cruises, and enjoyed family reunions.

Dr. Lee is survived by his wife, Dr. Sabrina; four children, Dr. Steven, Scott, Dr. Julia, Dr. Victor; seven grandchildren, Nicholas, Jeffrey, Jessica, Justin, Anderson, Henry, Genevieve; two daughters-in-law, Dr. Julie and Wendy; and five stepbrothers and one stepsister in Taiwan.

There will be two funeral services. The first service will be on Thursday January 29, 2026, at 11:00 am, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, TX, phone 325-692-2232. The service will be followed by a lunch buffet.

The second funeral service will be held at a date to be determined at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave, Rotterdam, NY, phone 518-355-5770. The service will be followed by a burial at Albany Rural Cemetery, 68 Cemetery Ave, Albany, NY.