Franklin Fuan Lee

Franklin Fuan Lee, beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing him, passed away on June 25, 2026, at the age of 67. Born on January 25, 1959, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Franklin carried the spirit of his hometown with him throughout his life — with pride, grit, and love.

A proud graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School, Franklin wore that distinction as a badge of honor, a testament to the hard work and determination that defined him from an early age.

Franklin went on to earn multiple Master's Degrees in Chemical Engineering and Operations Research, published papers in dialysis en route to his PhD, and was among the early wave of quantitative analysts recruited by Wall Street following his time at Columbia University. His career in finance spanned decades and landmark institutions — Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch, and HSBC — and his high-level analytical work earned recognition in published textbooks.

At HSBC, Franklin brought a unique brilliance and a steady, grounding presence to every team he was part of. He was a relentless problem-solver, combining deep analytical thinking with a highly pragmatic approach. He never shied away from a challenge; instead, he took complete ownership of difficult situations, driven by a rare tenacity — his mind simply would not rest until a solution was not only found, but meticulously tested and proven to work. Yet for all his intense focus, Franklin's door was always open. He was deeply dedicated to helping others, always willing to pause his own work to guide a colleague or share his immense knowledge.

To those who worked alongside him, Franklin was a legendary quantitative researcher whose brilliance and expertise earned the admiration and respect of everyone fortunate enough to collaborate with him. He was a quiet leader — a silent hero — whose contributions often happened behind the scenes but left a lasting impact. More than a remarkably talented colleague, he was a trusted mentor, a dependable teammate, and a dear friend. His kindness, humility, and unwavering willingness to help others will be remembered just as much as his extraordinary professional achievements.

To many, Franklin was far more than an incredibly talented and knowledgeable colleague. He was a trusted mentor, a dependable teammate, brother, and a dear friend. His kindness, humility, and unwavering willingness to help others will be remembered just as much as his remarkable professional achievements.

Franklin's passion for running was more than a hobby — it was a calling. As an Open Run Leader with the New York Road Runners, he showed up time and again to guide, encourage, and inspire fellow runners of all abilities. His dedication to the running community was recognized in 2024 when he was inducted into the NYRR Volunteer Hall of Fame, a well deserved distinction from an organization that meant so much to him. Franklin gave generously of his time because that was simply who he was.

But perhaps what people will remember first — before anything else — was his smile. Warm, bright, and utterly genuine, it was the kind of smile that made you feel instantly welcomed and at ease. It was Franklin, distilled into a single expression.

Above all, Franklin was a devoted husband, father, son, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Irene, and their three children, Rebecca, Allison, and Jonathan; his mother, Koon Lee; and his brothers, James and Richard, along with their families who meant the world to him.

His brother James, together with his wife Elizabeth (Betty), are parents to three children: Jacqueline (Jackie), who is married to Victor Otter and mother to their son Mateo; Alexandra (Alex), who is married to Marvin Thielk and mother to their children Mercurie and Turin; and Brandon, and his fiancée Di. His brother Richard, together with his wife Jennifer, are parents to their son Zachary.

From Irene's side of the family, Franklin is also survived by his sister-in-law Donna, together with her husband Zhi Tong, parents to Tommy and Jennifer, who is married to Adrian and mother to Eric and Max. His sister-in-law Nina, together with her husband Licheng, are parents to Angela, who is married to Yong and mother to Lila and Keira.

Franklin is preceded in death by his beloved father, Lien Fuan Lee; his mother-in-law, Fook C. Lee; and his brother-in-law, Wai-Chung. Wai-Chung is survived by his wife Susan and their son Daniel, who is married to Sharon and father to Harper and Jackson.

Franklin Fuan Lee did not just run miles - he covered ground in every sense, touching lives, building community, and leaving the world a warmer place than he found it. His kindness, commitment, and the positivity he brought each day will stay with all those who knew him. He will be profoundly missed and joyfully remembered, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.