Lee H. STISSER

Lee Howard Stisser, 79, of Hornell, died on Monday, June 9, 2025, at St. James Hospital with his family by his side. He was born on April 15, 1946, in Wellsville, the son of the late Howard and Ruth Ella (Ballerstein) Stisser. On December 2, 1967, in Bronx, NY, he married Christine E. Benda, who survives.

Lee was raised in Wellsville, graduating in 1964 from Wellsville High School. He continued his education at Concordia Lutheran College in Bronxville, NY, earning his Masters of Theology in 1991. In response to the draft, he enlisted in 1966 with the United States Army, serving for 22 years, and retiring with the rank of First Sargent. He was a previous manager for Butler-Larkin. After his ordination in 1991, he was called to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo, serving their congregation until 2000, when he was called to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Tampa, FL – retiring in 2011. After his retirement, he continued to preach at several local churches as needed. Outside of his callings, he was actively involved with the Wellsville Fire Department Duke Hose & Genesee Hose Companies; and was a conductor with the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish, FL. In 2015, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, receiving treatments and participated in clinical trials in Tampa before recently moving back to Hornell to be near family.

In addition to his wife of 67 years, Christine Stisser, he is survived by: two sons, Aaron Stisser of Depew, NY and Brian (Theresa) Stisser of Newport, VA; two grandchildren, Gabriel and Chesna Stisser, also of Newport, VA; siblings, Patricia Prete of Hornell and Gerry Stisser of Wellsville; as well as 10 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 1 – 2 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church of Wellsville, 470 North Main Street. His funeral service will follow at 2 pm with Rev. Bill Willson presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to The Alzheimer’s Association Gulf Coast Chapter, 14010 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33762. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .