Lee William Plein- 73, died of lung cancer December 27 at his home in Southbury, CT. Born in Pittsburgh, PA to Clara Blatcher and Leo Plein of Washington, D.C., he graduated from the Landon School for Boys and Columbia College in 1957 with a degree in Art History. Mr. Plein then served in the Naval Reserves as Lt. Commander, aboard the cruiser U.S.S. Galveston during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He began his career as Director of the Jacksonville Art Museum in Jacksonville, FL, followed by Directorship of the Silvermine College of Art in Norwalk, CT in 1967.

Pursuing his interest in photography, Mr. Plein established a retail photographic supply store, The Camera Gallery in Greenwich, CT in 1968. During the eightys, Mr. Plein was Sales Manager of The Fine Tool Company of Danbury, CT.

A former resident of New Canaan and Ridgefield, he is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sue Laeri Plein of Heritage Village in Southbury, CT; his children: Kellee Plein Simmons and Lee William Plein, Jr. of New York City, and Kevin Doyle Plein of New Rochelle; three stepchildren: James Alden, Julie Alden Dee, and Todd Alden; and, six grandchildren.

Memorials: The family is grateful for gifts in Mr. Pleins name and requests that contributions be sent directly to Landon School, 6101 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD, 20817.

Cemetery: Southford Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: United Church of Christ

Services: A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at 11 am at the United Church of Christ in Southbury, CT.

Visitation: There are no calling hours