John Lee, 87, of Colts Neck, N.J. died Wednesday, April 28, 2010, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., on Aug. 15, 1922, John served during World War II, as a radioman 1st class in the U.S. Navy, translating Morse code. After the war, John received his BSEE from Newark College of Engineering. He married Joyce Miller in 1954 and he built their first home in Gillette. In 1966, John moved to Colts Neck. He retired from AT&T Bell Labs in 1989 after 48 years. John never hired a repairman; he fixed cars, appliances, and televisions, re-roofed his home, dug a septic field and designed smoke detectors, garage door openers, motion sensors, and other items before they became widely available. His home is a monument to his God-given skills. John was an enthusiastic gardener, growing beautiful flo wers, herbs, and vegetables. He pitched fast-pitch softball until age 67 in Bell Labs' 'A' league, earning numerous MVPs. John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce, and their children, Sandra and Philip Gretzkowski of Sterling, Va., Janet Lee of New York City and John and Elaine Lee of Howell, N.J.; five grandchildren; sister, Jennie Green of Williamsburg, Va.; sister, Lottie and her husband, Joseph Forrest, of Neptune, N.J.; brother, Edward and his wife, Doris Lee, of Toms River, N.J. and brother-in-law , Robert Miller and his wife Jacqueline, of Tampa, Fla. He was predeceased by his brother, Andrew Lee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Holmdel Community Church Building Fund, 40 Main St., Holmdel, N.J. 07733, where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 22.