Ernest Lee Shirley

Ernest Lee Shirley, Lee to those who knew him well, passed away peacefully at the age of 58 on October 3, 2025. Lee was born on May 23, 1967 in Orlando, Florida, green eyes beaming with life, kindness, and curiosity. He was a caring and loving husband, son, son-in-law, grandson, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend.

Lee’s mother, Sandra, and his Granny Goose were born and raised in Louisiana, so naturally his upbringing in central Florida was flavored with lively aspects of Cajun and Creole culture. With three siblings, a large extended family of cousins, aunts and uncles, and plenty of neighborhood friends popping over, Lee’s childhood was filled with warm and vibrant energy. He adored his Goose’s mac and cheese, cornbread, iced tea, and pecan pie, which seemed to be made even sweeter by the sounds of Elvis crooning in the background.

Lee was an excellent student and a voracious reader, frequently taking books out from the library starting as early as the 1st grade. He lent his musical talents as a member of the Singing Boys of Orlando and later, as a clarinet player in the marching band for Winter Park High School. There, the French Club caught his fancy and he soon developed a love for languages and a desire to travel. During the summers, he joined the ranks of Walt Disney World’s finest, sometimes donning the adorable full body Dumbo costume, other times the more rugged regalia of the Jungle Cruise Captain.

After graduating high school in 1985, Lee attended the University of Florida, Gainesville studying engineering and becoming a Gator! It was there he met Gabriel, the love of his life, in the summer of 1988- it was love at first sight! They moved to Philadelphia together a year later, and just this July celebrated 37 years of commitment to each other. Lee and Gabe stuck together through thick and thin, including many, many moves in and around Philadelphia- Olney, Tacony, West Mt. Airy, and Old City, adding to their beautifully rich and supportive circle of chosen family along the way. In 2014, on the anniversary of their first meeting, they eloped when same-sex marriage became legal in Pennsylvania, at none other than Philly’s most legendary leather bar, The Bike Stop. Lee and Gabe celebrated their honeymoon doing their usual adventuring, this time through the castle-dotted rolling hills and rugged highlands in Scotland.

One of Lee’s earliest jobs in Philly was leading tours of historical sites; he was charismatic and filled with knowledge. Lee started working at Jeanes Hospital in 1991 as a Special Services Technician and then worked as the Office Manager for esteemed neurologist David S. Roby, M.D., P.C. In 2001, Dr. Roby brought Lee with him to Temple University. Lee worked in the Department of Neurology at Temple’s Graduate Medical Education department, first as the Administrative Coordinator, then promoted to Administrator. Throughout the years, Lee worked closely with his boss Dave Goodman whose steadfast leadership helped Lee to grow and flourish within the health care field. Lee was loved and respected by coworkers. He always made time for everyone, no matter how small or trivial the issue or problem seemed to each colleague. He was whole-heartedly dedicated to his job.

Lee’s wanderlust knew no bounds as he explored the globe with Gabe, family, and friends. He was fortunate and grateful to experience so much of the world, traveling throughout the US (blasting Whitney and Adele on roadtrips) and visiting various countries, his favorites included Japan, Argentina, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Iceland, Peru, Ireland, and Cuba. He spent quality time in rural North Carolina visiting his family, and in Miami, FL with Gabe’s Cuban-American familia, as well as in his “happy place” Cairo, NY.

He was brilliant, with a quick wit, a slight smirk, and the occasional eye roll. He loved to debate politics and had passionate opinions. He advocated for the local Queer community, volunteering for Night Watch (an organization formed in the 90s to protect the Gayborhood streets from violence) and Action Aids (now Action Wellness). Lee loved cooking shows, however, cooking, not as much, and loved a good dinner party. Say the word lobster or sushi, and Lee was there!

He was humble, smart, considerate, big-hearted, feisty, clever, and super cute. Little guy, big personality, great smile! Lee will be profoundly missed by his husband Gabriel Martinez; his mother Sandra Lee Walters; Sisters Sheila A. Shirley Carman and Michelle Malloy, and brother Milton (Ricky) Smith. He was the “funny uncle” to a gaggle of beloved nieces and nephews: ToriRose, Harrison, Micah, Destany Storme, KenzieGrace, Elise, Brandon, William, Shawn, Bash, and Hanna; his co-godchildren Izzy and Neve; sister-in-laws Amber and Teresita, and brother-in-law Robert; as well as a multitude of dear friends. Lee is now joyfully playing with his beloved pups- Patches, Penny, and Rudy who predeceased him.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in Lee’s name to the Pennsylvania Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a no-kill shelter in Philadelphia.