Lawrence Leeroy Fletcher

Obituary of Lawrence LeeRoy Fletcher

Lawrence LeeRoy Fletcher, affectionately known as Lee, passed away peacefully at the age of 65 on September 19, 2025, at 6:01 PM in San Diego, California.

Lee was born on June 26, 1960, in San Diego to Lonny Lawrence Fletcher and Dorothy Fletcher, their only child.

As an Electronics Engineering Technician and Designer, Lee devoted over 40 years to supporting small companies with projects that spanned both military and civilian applications. He helped pioneer intelligent sonobuoys for the U.S. Navy, developed advanced communication systems for commercial use, and contributed to spaceflight hardware that continues to orbit the Earth today.

One of Lee’s proudest accomplishments was his work in developing autonomous robotic systems for the U.S. Army — including bomb-detection and disposal robots that have saved countless lives and protected soldiers in combat zones. His work left a lasting legacy of innovation, service, and impact.

A proud member of the Vista community, Lee was actively involved in Vista Assembly of God, where he volunteered for many years on the church’s Audio and Visual Technical Staff. Known for his quirky sense of humor, he had a gift for making people smile. Beyond his professional and community contributions, Lee had a genuine passion for helping others, often spending his free time on online message boards, generously sharing his technical expertise to assist people around the world.

Above all, Lee was a devoted family man. He married his beloved wife, Diana Fletcher, on January 6, 1990, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Lee was incredibly proud of his stepchildren and grandchildren and found immense joy in being an active and loving presence in their lives.

Lee is lovingly remembered by his wife, Diana Fletcher, and his in-laws: Jim Dooley, Jon and Jeanette Dooley, and Bill and Darlene Ballinger.

He is also survived by his stepchildren: Tom Patnode and his partner, Jenny Thompson; Annette Bissell and her husband, Grant; and Jon De Figarelli and his wife, Stacie. His grandchildren include Jace De Figarelli, Kayann Nelson and her husband Kamren, Daylin Bissell, Arissa Bissell and her fiancé, Jaiden Manfull, and Chloe-Nicole Bissell.

Lee is also remembered by his great-grandchild, Boston Manfull, and by a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom he held dear.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Lonny Lawrence and Dorothy Fletcher; his sister-in-law, Margie Dooley; and his nephew, Vance Cather.

The family takes comfort in knowing that Lee’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. At this time, there are no plans for a funeral or memorial service. His remains will be scattered in a private ceremony at a later date.

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Lee was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer shortly before his passing, and the family wishes to support this important cause.

Donations can be made online at https://donate.cancer.org, or by mail to:

American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741

For more information or to donate by phone, please call 1-800-227-2345. Please check with your employer to see if your donation is eligible for matching.