Lee Arthur Wesselmann

Lee A. Wesselmann, a man of integrity, dedicated leadership, and deep devotion to his family and community, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, at The Glenridge Carroll Center in Sarasota, Florida. He was 90 years old. Born on February 2, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, Lee was the younger of two sons born to Roy A. and Dorothy Oakes Wesselmann. Raised in Shaker Heights, he developed an early appreciation for community, education, and nature—values that would shape his life. Lee pursued his higher education with distinction, graduating from Dartmouth College before earning his MBA from the Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management. His natural leadership led to a rewarding 37-year career with Owens-Illinois (O-I). A respected cornerstone of the company, Lee rose through the ranks to retire in 1998 as Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Board of Directors. While his professional achievements were vast, Lee’s greatest joy lay in his family. Shortly after launching his career, he met Beatrice "Bebe" Hahn, who became the love of his life and his best friend. Lee and Bebe recently celebrated a remarkable 63 years of marriage—a partnership built on unwavering love, mutual respect, and shared adventure. Together, they raised three sons, instilling in them a passion for the outdoors through family camping trips to Canada, fishing excursions in the gulf, and travel abroad. Lee also found great joy in long beach walks and shelling near the family home in Boca Grande, experiences that brought inspiration and lasting memories to family and friends alike. An avid gardener, Lee found peace and purpose in his own back yard. He bridged his corporate expertise with his love for nature, serving as President of the Toledo Botanical Garden and President of the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA) in Boca Grande, Florida, where he championed the creation of the Boca Grande Bike Path featuring beautiful native plantings. A natural servant-leader, Lee dedicated his time and talents to elevating the church, arts, education, and healthcare. His record of community service included serving in executive leadership roles on numerous boards in Toledo and Boca Grande. He also brought visionary leadership to the healthcare sector as Chairman of the Board for ProMedica Health System of Northwest Ohio. His legacy of love, wisdom, and service lives on through his cherished family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Bebe; his sons, Bryan (Wendy) and Mark; and his adored granddaughters, Bailey and her partner Mitchell (Dowling) and Brooke, who brought immense joy to his later years. He is preceded in death by his son, Todd; and by his brother, Glenn. A celebration of Lee’s life will be held in June, with additional details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to either the Church of the Palms in Sarasota, Florida, or to the Toledo Botanical Garden. https://www.churchofthepalms.org/give https://metroparkstoledofoundation.org/ways-to-give

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Lee Arthur Wesselmann

February 2, 1936 - May 18, 2026