HAMILTON - John L. "Jack" Lee, 77, of Hamilton Township, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, at Capital Health Mercer with his beloved family members at his side. He was a lifelong resident of the Trenton area.Mr. Lee was a 1951 graduate of Trenton Central High School, where he played varsity baseball and football.Upon completing high school, at the age of 17, he proudly served our country by enlisting in the United States Navy during the Korean War. His service career on the USS Tripoli (CVE-64) and the USS Enoree (TAO-69) spanned most of Europe, Cuba, Panama, South America, and Greenland, during which he was awarded numerous medals and commendations.Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, John continued to enhance his firefighting career as a civilian firefighter at McGuire AFB. His passion for the fire service continued when he pursued and was appointed to the position of fire chief for the Mercer County Airport Fire Department in 1963. During his career as fire chief, John also served the community as the Mercer County Fire Marshal for numerous years. He later became the police chief at the airport as well, serving in this dual role capacity until his retirement. John had many professional associations to his credit, some of which included: life member of the Colonial Volunteer Fire Co., past president of Mercer County Fire Chiefs Association, the Active Fire Chiefs Association, and the Fire Marshals Association of New Jersey. He was bestowed honorary membership in both the DeCou Hose, and White Horse Volunteer Fire companies.John can also be remembered as a Licensed Electrical Contractor in the State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs Licensed Electrical Sub-Code Official and past president of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors - South Jersey Division.He was devoted to his family, and a member of Our Lady of the Angels Parish - St. Joachim's Church, where he proudly served as an acolyte and usher. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Trenton Council 355, and as Sir Knight Fourth Degree of Bishop Griffin Assembly. Known as "Jack" to family members, he enjoyed sports, skiing, football, and "Bled Eagles Green."Predeceased by his parents, Edward A. and Elva G. (Hassall) Lee Jr., and brother, Richard G. "Dick" Lee, Jack is survived by his loving wife of nearly 58 years, Lorraine M. (Morgante) Lee. He is also survived by his three children, John Matthew Lee, Beth Ann Reardon and husband Tom, and the Very Rev. Jeffrey E. Lee, Episcopal Vicar of Mercer County and Pastor of Our Lady of the Angels Parish; six grandchildren, Kelly, John Robert, SSG Shannon, Ryan, Tommy and Corinne; and three great-grandchildren, John Martin, Arianna and Antonio; sisters-in-law, nephews, and cousins. Rite of Reception will be held at 4:15 p.m. on Monday at Our Lady of the Angels - St. Joachim's Church, 20-56 Butler St., Trenton. Calling hours will follow at the church until 7 p.m. Parking available from Bayard Street. There will be no calling hours at the funeral home.Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of the Angels - Immaculate Conception Church, 540 Chestnut Ave., Trenton. Parking available from Chestnut Avenue for those wishing to go to the cemetery, and from Division Street for those not wishing to go to the cemetery. Burial will immediately follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Hamilton.Please omit flowers. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to honor his memory to Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 21-23 Bayard St., Trenton, NJ 08611.Arrangements are under the direction of Chambers D'Errico and Correnti Funeral Home.