John Schlee

John Stevens Schlee died February 24, 2019 after a long stay in a Falmouth nursing home. He was a 90 years old. Born September 27, 1928 to Herbert and Hazel Schlee, he spent his childhood in Bethesda, MD. He attended the University of Michigan, obtained a master’s degree in California, and earned a Ph.D. in Geology from Johns Hopkins University. Although he spent his early career in the western United States, the bulk of his working years were spent working for the U.S. Geological Survey in Woods Hole and Falmouth. His specialty was passive continental margins which lead him to travel up and down both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. He went to sea on many research expeditions and once took a dive in the research submersible DSV Alvin.

John had a large number of interests which he pursued passionately. Among them was his abiding love of classical music which he taught to adult learners in Falmouth. He could not hear a piece of music without waving his arms and conducting it. He also spent many, many hours restoring a 1932 Pierce Arrow. He energetically enjoyed English Country Dancing, world-wide travel, and the Unitarian Universalist Men's Breakfast Club. For decades John commuted to work by bicycle. He also rode across Iowa and toured Holland and Belgium.

John is survived by his daughter Louisa Martin and grandson Jack Martin of Carlisle, MA and nephews Sean, Kevin and Brian Duffy of the greater Boston area. John generously put three of his grand -nieces and nephews through college as well as his own daughter. He was a great believer in education. All who knew John will remember his favorite saying. When faced with any kind of adversity, he would say, "Analyze the situation!"

A Memorial Service will be held on May 4th at 11:00 a.m. in the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 840 Sandwich Road, East Falmouth. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Johns Hopkins University. Arrangements by the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home 40 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne.