We were very saddened by the news of Lee Tangarone’s passing on Saturday, April 28. Following is Lee’s obituary:
Surrounded by family and friends, Lee Coldren Tangarone passed away at her home in New Hartford on Saturday, April 28th. She was 62 years old.
Lee Tangarone
Lee was born July 3, 1949, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, where she spent her childhood. A 1968 graduate of Uniontown High School, she later earned a BS in Business Management from Marietta College, in Marietta, Ohio.
New Hartford has been home to Lee and her family for the past 37 years. She was an active and vibrant member of her community, and she contributed to many civic organizations, often in leadership positions.
Lee was a past member of the New Hartford Ambulance where she volunteered as an attendant for 20 years. Lee was also an elected official in New Hartford, serving several terms as Town Treasurer, and for many years, was the tax collector for the New Hartford Fire District. She was a chairperson for Bookfriends, a support organization for the Licia and Mason Beekley Community Library, as well as a past president of the New Hartford Business Council and a board member of the New Hartford Historical Society. In her role as a civic contributor and leader, she was a co-founder of the annual holiday celebration, Light New Hartford and for several years chaired the annual Historical Society Wine Tasting. Lee was also a member of YTBN, a women’s group in the community. Most recently, Lee and her husband, Guy, owned and operated Tangarone & Prelli Insurance in Winsted, Connecticut.
Although her accomplishments and contributions were many, she will be best remembered for the person she was, loving, sensitive and kind. She lived a life of integrity with high standards for herself as a wife, a mother, a citizen and a friend. Taken too early from the many who loved and respected her, she will be sorely missed and fondly remembered for the unique gifts she shared with all. Although her interests were varied, her greatest joy in life was her family, and especially time spent with her granddaughter, Corrin. Her partnership with her husband, Guy, included shared responsibilities in their social, civic and business endeavors, but most importantly, a loving 41-year marriage.
In addition to her husband Guy, Lee is survived by her son Jeremy, his wife Kristen, and their daughter Corrin; and her son Joshua, and his girlfriend Stephanie Bissett. Also mourning her loss are her mother, Phyllis Van Camp of Virginia, stepmother, Fran Coldren of Pennsylvania, and siblings Kathy Wallace, David Coldren and Janice Camden and their families. She was pre-deceased by her father, Ira Coldren of Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to do so make contributions to the Lee Tangarone Endowment Fund at the Licia and Mason Beekley Community Library. All funds will be used for children’s programming.
Friends may greet the family on Thursday, May 3, from 5 to 8 PM at the home of Christopher Jones, 438 Cedar Lane, New Hartford. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 5 Steele Road, New Hartford has care of arrangements.
Visit an online guestbook at Montano-shea.com.
A Lee Tangarone Endowment Fund is being established at the Beekley Community Library with all funds to be used for children’s programming. Photo: NewHartfordPlus archives
