Leland R. "Lee" Schick, Jr, 58, of Naugatuck, former resident of Newtown, died March 7, at the Vitas hospice unit in St Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, following an extended illness. Sadly, like so many others, he suffered from the disease of alcohol addiction. He was born on April 13, 1959, in Petersburg, Va., and was known as "Rick" to his parents and siblings.

His wife of 33 years, Elizabeth Corwin Schick; his children and their spouses, Leland Michael of Derby, Daniel and Mara Christian of New Haven, and Jennifer and Fred Underhill of Palm Coast, Fla.; his parents, Leland and Edith Schick of Fort Myers, Fla., and Beacon Falls; his siblings and their spouses, Carrie of Fort Myers, Tim and Sara of Raleigh, N.C., Jeff and Eva of Southbury, and Ryan and Jennifer of Everett, Wash.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends survive him.

He and Elizabeth settled in Naugatuck in 1987 and were involved in many activities in and around the area. He was involved with Naugatuck teen theater and the Naugatuck High School band parents' association, as well as charitable activities at Salem Lutheran Church and the St Michael's community.

Mr Schick worked for many years in the food service industry, most recently as a national account manager at US Foods in Norwich. He not only took immense pride in his work, as evidenced by the three president's cup awards he received, but he truly relished the many friends he made throughout his career there.

His happiest moments were those spent with his family and friends - playing cards, setting up a practical joke, preparing for the next event, or planning his much-loved excursions to favorite places like Kansas, Pennsylvania, and St Maarten. He could always be counted on to offer his opinion, for his quick wit, to lend a helping hand, and for a ready smile. Most of all, though, Mr Schick was happiest wherever his family was, whether that was with his wife and sons or with his parents and siblings. His loved ones say he will be greatly missed.

Calling hours will be Friday, March 9, from 4 to 7:30 pm, at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck.

A service will be Saturday, March 10, at 11 am, at Grace Lutheran Church, 14 Salem Street, Naugatuck, with a reception to follow in Beacon Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Naugatuck Teen Theater at naugatuckteentheater.com or to the Phoenix Stage Company at phoenixstagecompany.org.

To leave an online condolence, visit naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.