Leroy A. “Lee” Marin

February 25, 1957 – April 15, 2026

Leroy A. “Lee” Marin, 69, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Lee was the beloved husband of Deborah Lee (Wood) Marin, with whom he shared a deep, devoted love. Together, they built a life centered on family, simple joys, and unwavering companionship. Whether sitting outside listening to the birds, watching dragonflies drift by, tending their garden, or taking in a beautiful sunset, Lee and Deb cherished every moment spent side by side.

Born in Bristol, Connecticut, Lee was the son of Rella (Lozier) Marin and the late Leo F. Marin, who predeceased him in 2009. He was also predeceased by his father-in-law, Harold Wood, and his mother-in-law, Joan Wood.

Lee grew up in Bristol, later lived in Harwinton, Connecticut, and eventually retired to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he embraced the warmth, community, and slower pace of beach life.

He is survived by his loving mother, Rella Marin; his three brothers, Thomas “Butch” Marin and his wife, Josie; Raymond Marin and his wife, Pat; and Michael Marin and his wife, Lori, all of Bristol, Connecticut; his sister, Diane Parker, and her husband, Gary; his sister-in-law, Jo-Ann Wood; two brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

Lee was a proud father of four sons: Raymond VanNostrand and his wife, Cassie; Jacob VanNostrand and his wife, Melissa; Nicholas Marin; and Jay Brian Marin and his wife, Carissa.

His most cherished role was that of “Grampie” to his eight beloved grandchildren: Cadence and Veronica VanNostrand; Kayla, Natalie, and JJ Marin; and Kylan, Hayden, and Rowan VanNostrand. His grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he made sure each one knew how deeply they were loved, often signing his messages to them, “I Love You!!,” a phrase that became his signature expression of affection.

Lee dedicated 40 years of his career to Theis, where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment.

He found happiness in life’s simple pleasures and in the traditions he created with those he loved. Lee will be remembered for baking gingerbread men at Christmas, making brownies and beer bread, and sharing late-night Oreo snacks with his grandchildren. He was a lifelong New York Yankees fan and developed a love of hockey, starting with the Hartford Whalers and later the Carolina Hurricanes after moving south. He enjoyed camping, fishing, NASCAR, gardening, collecting vintage tin toys, and playing games like cribbage and pool with family. He was known as a jokester, a “pool shark,” and someone who always had his grandchildren’s backs. Some of the most treasured memories include ice cream sundae bars, Sunday family dinners, bonfires, backyard gatherings, and time spent in the gazebo, relaxing in the hot tub, and watching his grandchildren play nearby, catching turtles and frogs.

Lee was also a valued member of his community, forming many friendships through Socastee United Methodist Church, local clubs, the Elks, the UCC, and the American Legion.

Above all, family meant everything to Lee. No friend or family member ever had to wonder how he felt; he loved deeply and made sure that love was always known.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 2:00 PM at Socastee United Methodist Church, 5575 Dick Pond Road, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

A second celebration of life will be held in Connecticut later this year, with additional details to be shared by the family at a later date.