COHOES, N.Y. — Lee M. “Zim” Cheney, 79, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 29, 2018, with his loving family at his side.

Lee was born in Biddeford, Maine on July 17, 1938, the son of the late John and Ruth Cheney. He was the beloved husband of his grade-school sweetheart, Patricia (Gray) Cheney. Pat and Lee graduated from Thornton Academy in Saco, Maine in 1956. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served as a Communications Specialist, stationed at NATO base in Naples, Italy, and later in Norfolk, Virginia. Once home, he worked in and eventually retired from the building materials industry in 2005.

Lee lived the majority of his life in southern Maine where he loved the beaches and fresh seafood. He spent many days and nights supporting his children’s endeavors, especially youth hockey and Girl Scouting. He loved cruising the Caribbean and his many trips to the Bahamas, always with a cocktail in hand. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family. He was especially proud of the athletic and academic achievements of his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, Lee is survived by his sons; Robert (Lisa) Cheney, MD, Scott (Bethany) Cheney, JD, and his daughter, Karen (Peter) Schogel, MD, and his grandchildren; Megan Cheney, Kaitlyn Cheney, Sarah Cheney, Jack Cheney, Abby (Oliver) Schogel-Franz, Benjamin Schogel, Parker Cheney, and Amelia Cheney.

Lee’s family extends their special thanks to Community Hospice and the wonderful caregivers who offered loving comfort and tender care during his time of need.

Calling hours will be held Monday, April 2, 2018 from 4 until 7 p.m. at Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request a memorial donation be made in Lee’s memory to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, 8588 Potter Park Drive Suite 500, Sarasota, FL 34238, or at pwsausa.org.

Condolence book at parkerbrosmemorial.com.