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Dr. Lee R. Anderson, DDS, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. He was born in Jamestown, NY on September 20, 1946, to the late Roy H. and Delores "Dee" Almgren Anderson.
Lee was a one-of-a-kind intellect. He graduated from Southwestern High School in 1964 and completed the Career Academy School of Dental Technicians in Milwaukee in September of 1966. His lifelong career took hold during his time at Jamestown Community College, during which he began a dental workshop out of his home.
One of two students accepted to Georgetown University with nothing but an associate's degree, Lee graduated second in his class from Georgetown School of Dentistry in May of 1973. He was awarded the Dentsply International Award for Distinction in Complete Dental Prosthesis at commencement.
Georgetown's Dean recognized Lee's superior work, and he was justly offered a professorship; still, Lee's drive was centered around helping others through his private practice.
Lee ran his service-oriented dental office out of his home in Lakewood for decades. Doing all the work from hygiene to lab to procedures himself, he was known as the best dentist around, having a way with all ages. Making money was not Lee's focus; instead, he served everyone with generosity and kindness, somewhat frequently honoring barters with patients. Lee's paramount quality was lacking care for what he did and didn't have and, in so doing, offering anything he could do or give to anyone.
A man who knew a little something about everything, Lee always had a knack for adding a fact or two to any topic. His unique historical archive was starkly impressive.
Collecting antiquities became a distinct joy for Lee, be it coins, Zippos, ducks unlimited paintings, fishing lures, and old tools. He artistically made jewelry out of his dental gold.
Animals remained worthy of Lee's time and care. He took in abused and malnourished dogs and, in particular, he saved many Great Danes, loving them back to wellness.
In earlier years, Lee was a fantastic pitcher in slow pitch softball leagues. Many championships were won in his college and young adult years.
Lee simply adored his family. While he made others feel special and brought endless joy to his community, Lee was made to feel that spark through his daughter, Jessica. He was beyond proud of her accomplishments, videotaping her every sporting event from 7th grade through collegiate success. Newsprint clippings became a hobby, elatedly scanning both the Post-Journal and Buffalo News sports sections for Jessica's honorable mentions.
Lee was never traditional, but his unique "gentle giant" approach left a lasting impact on countless souls. Through Lee's final months, he became especially close with his brother, Neil.
A confirmed member of Kidder Methodist Church, Lee was a lifetime member of the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association and kept close ties with the Vikings Ingjald Lodge IOV 65. He was a proud NRA member as well as being affiliated with the American Dental Association and the Fenton Historical Society. The Moose Lodge knew Lee as a fraternity brother. He was especially fond of his participation with the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, in which he beamed when Jess was inducted.
The empathetic energy Lee exchanged throughout life will be deeply missed by his daughter, Jessica (Kristin) Anderson of Orchard Park, NY; his brother, Neil (Bonnie) Anderson of Ashville, NY; his nephews, Aaron (Kimberly) Anderson of Fort Belvoir, VA and Greg (Heidy) Anderson of Cincinnati, OH; his great nieces and nephews, Katerina, August, Owen, Baker, Willa, Samantha, and Lily; as well as his beloved great great nieces and nephew.
The Celebration of Life for Lee will be announced by his family in the coming weeks. Private family burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.
Donations in Lee's thoughtful memory may be made to Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, caninerescue.org
To leave words of condolence for Lee's family, please visit lindfuneralhome.com
And if you knew Doc, he'd want you to keep smiling!