Lee M. Karelitz, age 65, of Green, passed away September 18, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. He was born in Pittsburgh on December 27, 1957, to Edwin and Bess (Rosenbloom) Karelitz and graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School and Penn State University. Lee spent time in various district manager roles with K-Mart, as a CFO with Fishers Foods, and recently with UFCW in Cleveland. He was a member of Temple Israel in Canton. Lee served his Jewish community in many roles throughout his time with the congregation including, Temple president, Brotherhood president, and Federation president. During his time in these roles, Lee was awarded the Kruman Brotherhood Service Award and the Rovella Kopstein Award. Recently the Temple honored him for his years of service by designating him a Lifetime Trustee.

Lee is survived by his loving wife of almost 40 years, Paulette; daughters Ashley (Dan) Schagrin and Caitlin (Joe) Lanese; grandchildren Mia, Ellie, and Henry; siblings Ann Laaff and Ira (Olga) Karelitz; sister-in-law Amy Karelitz. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother William Karelitz; brother-in- law Jeff Laaff.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 20, at 10 AM at Temple Israel with Rabbi David

Komerofsky and Rabbi John Spitzer officiating. Final resting place is North Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lee Karelitz Philanthropic Fund thorough the Canton Jewish Federation.

The Funeral Livestream can be viewed at www.templeisraelcanton.org/leekarelitz