Lee Crawford Chew, died at the Rouse in the early morning of Thursday, August 25th 2022, after battling bravely and without complaint an extended battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born on August 20, 1941, Lee was raised in Washington, PA by his parents the late Harry Chew and Frankie & Bob Knisely. He graduated from Chartier Houston High School and he went on to wrestle at Clarion University where he received his bachelor’s in English and Secondary Education. He also received his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Penn State University.
Lee moved to Warren to begin his teaching career in 1964. He fell in love and married his wife, Laura (Hanlin) Chew, and they created a beautiful life together over the next 54 years. They had five children of their own and opened their home to many foster children and former wrestlers/students who simply needed a loving home to be in. He leaves behind a legacy of people who will miss him so deeply, especially: Ralph Chew (Lori), Heidi Osborne (Mark), Caryn Ryan (Matt), Derek Chew (Kelly), Kathleen Haslett (Luke), granddaughter, Dena Penley (Steve), and foster daughter, Roxanne Larson (Don), one sister Byllye Montalto. Lee and Laura have 19 grandchildren, who meant the world to him. He also leaves behind many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews who love him dearly and have countless stories to tell of fun-loving Uncle Lee.
If you didn’t know him as Dad or Grandpa, you most likely knew him as Mr. Chew, no matter how many years ago you had him in school. Mr. Chew was a high school English and Speech teacher at Warren Area High School for 38 years, from 1964-2002. He loved teaching and telling stories. He also was passionate about extracurricular activities and sports and the role they play on a child’s development. For this reason, he was faithfully devoted to Warren High School athletics. He was an assistant wrestling coach from 1964-1968, head coach from 1969-1982, and then the athletic director from 1994-2002. He was a wrestling referee from 1962-1992. He also found time to help with the production of school plays and was a Varsity Club advisor throughout his career. He loved and supported all high school events and never missed a home game during his time as athletic director, but wrestling was his passion, which lives on in his sons and grandchildren.
While his tenure at WAHS was so important to him, he also gave his most precious gift – time- to other causes throughout his life and after retirement. He took care of people’s lawns. He was an active member at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church where he served as an usher, lector, pastoral council member, and was chairman of the building committee when Holy Redeemer was rebuilt to the beauty it is today. He was an active member of Kiwanis and the Warren/Forest Chapter of PA Association of School Retirees, where he served as president of both of these organizations.
Lee had fun no matter what he was doing, but golfing, particularly at his favorite course, Blueberry, was certainly one of his favorite things to do. He loved watching all sports, not just high school athletics, and would cheer on his favorite teams: Penn State, Notre Dame, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Lee was a dear friend to many, a strict but caring teacher/coach, a loving husband, an extraordinary dad, a fun and goofy grandfather, and the best dog owner to his many dogs, for whom he always carried treats in his pockets. To say he will be missed is an absolute understatement.
Please join the Chew family to tell your favorite Mr. Chew stories at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East St., Warren, PA., on Sunday, August 28th from 6-8pm
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, 11 Russell St., Warren, PA., on Monday, August 29th, at 11:00 A.M. with Fr. Stephen Schreiber, Pastor, officiating, assisted by Deacon Raymond Wiehagen. A luncheon will follow in the church center directly following the Mass. Interment will be in St. Teresa R.C. Cemetery, Union City, PA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in his name to Warren Sports Boosters, P.O. Box 304, Warren, PA. 16365, Paws Along the River, 212 Elm Street, Warren, PA. 16365, or Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Building Center Fund. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Heidi, Laura and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know what a difficult time this is, but know that he loves you! Much love to you all!
He will be missed by all. He played big part in the lives of soo many, with such profound success. May He rest in peace.
My sympathies to the entire family. He was a great teacher and mentor.
Mr Chew was by far my favorite teacher in high school. Mr Chew showed me that I had a voice and then gave me the confidence to use it. R.I.P Mr Chew
The wrestling community is a tight knit group of people. Across this community, Lee was an admired coach and a respected wrestling official. As a young high school coach many years ago at Titusville H.S., I considered Lee a mentor and a friend. When he spoke, I listened carefully. Lee had a grin that I’ll never forget and we laughed a lot. The world lost a great man who touched so many lives. Lee’s legacy will live on through those people. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family.
Après beaucoup d’années je veux exprimer ma connaissance à Madame Chew pour son enseignement. Aussi mes sentiments à la mort de son mari. J’ai lu la récitation de sa vie et vu qu’il a suivi une vie extraordinaire. Mes bonnes souhaits à vous et votre famille entière pendant ce temps de perte.
I was one of those kids that lived with the Chews and was a varsity wrestler on the team at 98 pounds. He was a kind and generous man who took me into his home when there were problems at my home. “If you think you can, you can. If you want to win you will. For out in the world you’ll find, success begins with a fellow’s will, it’s all in the state of mind.” Quoting Lee Chew. I was not the most experienced or talented wrestler as I was born with a medical condition known as Nail Patella Syndrome, but I was able to defeat more experienced and talented wrestlers because I believed Coach Chew: “If you think you can, you can…” He and his family were a blessing to many.
May you rest in peace Mr.Chew. Prayers to Laura and the Family. Mr. Chew always called me “Smiley”, whenever I’d pass him in the hall or see him out and about.
Sports reporters and wrestling coaches can have contentious relationships. Lee and I began to know each other that way, but through parent/teacher relationships, Cursillo and other church activities, we got to know each other as friends and fellow Christians. I didn’t always agree with Lee — or he with me — but we enjoyed each other and he brightened my life in many ways. Godspeed.
Coach Chew was the foundation of my early wrestling years. I admired his strength as a good man, who cared for us. Coach also helped introduce me to Christ, as my Savior.
I am eternally thankful for his example in my life.
Laura and Family,
I am thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Lee was an amazing man who was instrumental in helping me when my mom passed away.
I loved babysitting for you all and you were all like a second family to me.
I have the amazing rock he made for me for Christmas 1985 but that was what he always did.
The world will not be the same without him, and I am sending you prayers ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for all you did . You were there for so many. Your caring impacted not just students, but a whole community. You were an angel on this earth, now you’ve got the wings.
To the Chew Family.
Lee taught with my father in the high school. When I was going through school, Lee was always good to me.
My condolences to you all.
Dave Oelslager
I remember our great golf we had together, with myself and Fr. Kosick and Bob Hovan lots of laughs and fun.
My sympathies to the entire family. He was a great teacher and mentor.
I remember Mr. Chew from my days at WAHS. I never wanted to take speech but I’m glad that I did and it was his mentoring and diligence to his students that jas helped today as I speak to rooms of people on a daily basis as part of my career. I’ll remember his unique laugh most of all. Those of us that were able to know him were better for it. God speed and my condolences to his family.
My father, Lou Salerno, and Mr. Chew were good friends when they taught together at WAHS in the ’60s and ’70s. Dad also kept the time clock for the wrestling matches and loved doing it. They had good times together, in and out of WAHS. I remember watching the matches and Mr. Chew very fondly. On behalf of my mother, Saundra, and my sister, Jennifer, the Salerno family sends our sincere sympathies to you all at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Chew Family: My parents, Robert & Sally, worked with Mr. Chew in the District for a # of years. We send our condolences to you. I remember him as a wrestling official and as a coach!
Laura, Heidi and family: Knowing Lee has been a pleasure. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Thanks for allowing us to be “part time, fill-in grandparents” to William, Susannah, April and Julia.
My sympathies go out to Laura and family. I had Mr. Chew for speech class which greatly helped me in college. he was a great teacher – really enjoyed it when he “jumped” over his notes.
Dear Laura and entire Chew family,
Please accept Rob’s and my condolences on the passing of your husband, Dad and Granddad. He was an exemplary teacher, coach and most important person! He will be missed by each and everyone who knew him.
Most sincerely,
Chris Loranger
Mr. Chew was impactful as a teacher. He was respected at WAHS . Sorry for your loss. Doug Allen
Mr. Chew is singularly The reason why I have a successful career in public speaking, training and teaching. Of all the classes at Warren area high school, his class and his energy gave me hope that I might be able to use skills that he found and me both in the future and as a career. To his family, my condolences