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GREENWICH, Conn. Fred K.C. Li of Riverside died Saturday, Aug. 25, at Nathaniel Witherell in Greenwich, surrounded by his children. He was 84.
Born Nov. 9, 1927, Wuxi China, he was the son of Guo Wei Li and Mou Wen Yung. Li moved to the United States in 1948 and attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, graduating with degree in chemical engineering in 1952.
There, he met his wife of 50 years, Margaret. They raised three children in New York City and its suburbs before moving to Greenwich in 1973.
Li began his career with various industrial chemical companies before joining and co-managing HLK Services Limited, a family-run engineering and procurement company founded by his brother Michael Lee. His son, Fred Li Jr., continues to manage HLK Services.
Several years after his wife died, Li rekindled a relationship with his former high school sweetheart and lifelong friend, Lilian Lee. They were together during the last eight years of his life.
In 2006, Li was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and Lilian helped him through the challenge. An avid international traveler, he was always one to initiate a friendly conversation with strangers, his family said.
Li also enjoyed skiing and playing golf as a member of Burning Tree Country Club for many years. His real passion was playing the stock market. Lis family said he had a unique ability to ride on the emotional highs of a good market yet simply shrug off the depression of bad markets.
He is survived by three children, Fred Jr., Christine and David; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife.
Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home in Greenwich. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Second Congregational Church in Greenwich.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nathaniel Witherell in Greenwich.
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