PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mr. Gerald M. Lee, 79, formerly of Commonwealth Avenue, Pittsfield, Mass., died Wednesday, December 25, 2019, after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Pittsfield on April 10, 1940, the son of Daniel and Helen (Dowling) Lee, he was a 1959 graduate of Pittsfield High School. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at the Panama Canal from 1961 to 1963.

Gerry was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Michelle (Clement) Lee, in 2018.

He operated the former Colonial News on North Street before joining the Pittsfield Police Department when he was 29. A patrolman for three years, followed by a three-year stint as detective, Lee made sergeant after six years on the force and was appointed lieutenant in 1983. He obtained his associate's degree in criminal justice in 1988. In 1992, he was appointed police chief, a position he held for five years. During his tenure, the department saw an increased emphasis on community policing, the creation of the West Side Neighborhood Resource Center, the expansion of the DARE program, the presence of police officers in the city's schools, and a modernized dispatch center.

Lee, who earned the admiration and respect of his fellow officers, was described by colleagues as fair, knowledgeable and a first-class professional.

Following his police career, Mr. Lee served on the City Council for 12 years, eight as council president. In an extraordinary showing for a political newcomer, Lee topped the crowded at-large council field during his first bid for city council at-large in 1999. As council president, Mr. Lee steered the council in a progressive direction and worked closely with Mayor James Ruberto to move forward on the city's downtown revitalization, improving the school system, boosting employment, and making municipal government more efficient.

Mr. Lee was an effective and respected City Council member with a wealth of knowledge about the rules of government and the city of Pittsfield. His succinct observations, usually delivered with his characteristic dry wit, were always valuable.

His volunteer activities were many and included coaching minor league baseball and serving as chairman of the Berkshire United Way's public sector division. He was a supporter of youth agencies and programs such as the Jimmy Fund and Big Brother/Big Sister. Mr. Lee served on the board of directors for both Berkshire County Kids Place and Elizabeth Freeman Center. As a member of the American Legion Post 68, Mr. Lee helped serve food to those in need at the annual Christmas dinner. He was involved with his church community as an offertory counter and volunteer at the annual Sacred Heart church bazaar. In 1996 he was named person of the year by the Irish American Organization in honor of all his contributions to improve the quality of life in Berkshire County.

Mr. Lee enjoyed watching sports, particularly the Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox. He was an avid gardener, loved to play cards, and enjoyed traveling with his wife during their retirement. For many years he partook in an annual golfing trip to Myrtle Beach with friends. Early on, there were memorable camping trips, epic wiffle ball games, countless basketball games, and many fishing outings. His recall of facts was renowned and he frequently entertained family and friends with stories from his days on the Pittsfield Police Department.

He was a dedicated father to his four children and five grandchildren. Above all he was a loving and committed husband to his wife, Michelle. He will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his four children, Michael Lee of Pittsfield, Sharon Reif and her husband, Ron, of Falmouth, Mass., Brian Lee and his wife, Jodi, of Dalton, Mass., and Thomas Lee of Great Barrington, Mass.; grandchildren Tara Lee, Ciara Lee, Samantha Lee, Eva Reif and Kingston Lee; and brothers Robert Lee, Richard Lee, John Lee and David Lee.

Funeral notice: Funeral services for Mr. Gerald M. Lee will be held Saturday, January 4, 2020, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, celebrated by Rev. Frank Lawlor. Calling hours will be held Friday, January 3, 2020, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his name to the Berkshire County Kid’s Place in care of the funeral home.