Lee Alan Petrie, 61, cherished husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, teacher, coach, colleague, and friend, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 30, 2026, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family. His passing followed a two-year courageous battle with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and related complications. Throughout his illness, Lee faced each challenge with strength, determination, and an unwaveringly positive spirit until the very end.

Born on March 24, 1965, and raised in Mexico, Maine, Lee was the son of Linda (Epps) and the late William (Bill) Petrie, and the older brother of Jill (Petrie) Herrick. He grew up enjoying cherished time with his parents, sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins at his grandparents’ camp on Garland Pond, his family’s Christmas open house featuring his mother’s famous meatballs and lasagna, and Fourth of July barbeques with Uncle Bill’s famous chicken. Lee attended Mexico High School, where he formed some of his closest lifelong friendships and proudly represented the Mexico Pintos on both the football field and basketball court. After graduating, he attended the University of Southern Maine, studying his passion for Education.

From fly fishing to The Beatles, Lee had many interests and seemed to know from an early age that he was destined to mentor others. During his 38 years teaching eighth-grade social studies at Marshwood Middle School, he shared his love of history with countless students, encouraging the next generation to think critically, stay curious, and make a difference in the world around them.

Teaching was not the only way Lee invested in the future. For38 years, he served as a coach and mentor, beginning under Coach Wotton in football and then coaching basketball at the junior high and high school level for both boy’s and girls’ teams, as well as serving as a timekeeper for track. He viewed the court and field as an extension of the classroom, using them to teach his players about teamwork, perseverance, and character. Among his favorite things about coaching was staying in touch with former players and proudly watching them grow into adults.

In 2005, Lee married the love of his life, Jeannie (Waldron), beginning a beautiful marriage that would span 21 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories, including spending time at the camp he loved, moments with his parents, his sister and her family, the extended Waldron family, and with his beloved dog, Betty, who brought comfort in his final days. Lee and Jeannie’s greatest joy was their family, beginning with their children, Trish Jardine and Temesgen Petrie. Lee loved his children deeply and was endlessly proud of them, and he never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments. That same love and pride overflowed to his grandchildren, Makayla and Ava Jardine, who held an incredibly special place in his heart and lovingly knew him as their “Gee.” When he wasn’t teaching or coaching, Lee could often be found proudly supporting them at school activities and sporting events.

Whether teaching, coaching, fishing, cheering on the Chiefs and Sox, or embracing his role as fun-loving Gee, Lee was a man that excelled at each of the many hats that he wore. He was a source of wisdom and encouragement and made those around him better.

Lee is survived by his wife, Jeannie Petrie; his mother, LindaPetrie; his daughter Trish Jardine, and her husband Dan; his son Temesgen Petrie; his grandchildren Makayla and Ava Jardine;his sister Jill Herrick, along with her children Molly and WilliamHerrick. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews with whom he shared close bonds, and his Godson Zachary Boston with whom he shared a special connection. Though Lee is no longer with us, his love lives on in his family and in the many lives he touched.

Lee drew strength from the countless people who visited him, reached out to him, and held him in their prayers. He felt the love that surrounded him and was comforted by the extraordinary support from his community. Lee’s family is sincerely grateful for the care he received from the healthcare professionals at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, particularly Dr. Gooptu and Dr. Shai Shimony.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Lee’s life on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Eliot Baptist Church, 912 Dow Highway, Eliot, Maine 03903. Visiting hours will be held from 9:00 to 11:30a.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lee Petrie Memorial Scholarship Fund, created to honor Lee’s memory by giving young people the opportunity to experience, learn, and grow through the game of basketball. The fund will help provide financial assistance for children to attend basketball camps and programs. To contribute, please visit www.lrscholarship.org or call 603-527-3533. When donating, please include a reference that this is for the Lee Petrie Memorial Scholarship Fund.