Leopold (Lee) Adler II – SAVANNAH – Lee Adler, a native Savannahian, born April 18, 1923, died peacefully at The Oaks on Skidaway Island, January 29, 2012. He is the son of Sam G. Adler and Elinor Grunsfeld Adler. His grandfather, Leopold Adler, came to Savannah in the 19th Century and founded Adler’s Department Store which was located on the southeast corner of Bull and Broughton Streets. Lee Adler attended the Pape School in Savannah, Deerfield Academy, Deerfield, MA and is a graduate of the University of Georgia. He served in the U.S. Naval Air Corps during World War II. He worked at Adler’s for a few years before devoting his business career to investment banking at Varnedoe-Chisholm/Robinson Humphrey. His avocation was historic preservation. He served as president of Historic Savannah Foundation for six years and was also a Trustee of the National Trust for Historic Preservation where he received the Louise Dupont Crowninshield Award, the Trust’s highest honor. He was a recipient of the National Medal of Arts, presented by George H.W. Bush in 1989. He spoke on historic preservation in 38 states and in the following countries: England, Ireland, Japan, Ecuador and Peru. Mr. Adler founded Savannah Landmark, Inc., an organization dedicated to providing safe affordable housing for low-income residents. In Washington, D.C. he gave a presentation on this organization at a meeting arranged for Prince Charles, who was interested in this endeavor. He loved his family and many friends. His enthusiasm and love of life showed itself in the following activities: fishing, hunting, tennis and golf. Many remember his adventures in the gulfstream in his boat, The Sweet Potato, and his classic dove hunts at the family’s farm in South Carolina. He traveled with his family in 42 countries, taking excellent pictures in exotic places. There was never a dull moment. Surviving members of his immediate family are: his wife of 58 years, Emma Morel Adler, a son, John Morel Adler and his wife, Leigh Ann Davidson Adler of Fernandina Beach, Florida, and grandchildren, Margaret L. Adler and Leopold (Lee) Adler, IV of Savannah; a brother, Sam G. Adler, Jr. of Leawood, Kansas, a niece, Samantha Dinsmore of Palo Alto, CA; and a nephew, Robert G. Adler, also of Palo Alto. Remembrances may be sent to Music Activities at The Oaks, 95 Skidaway Island Park Road, Savannah, GA 31411 or Historic Savannah Foundation, P.O. Box 1733, Savannah, GA 31402, or to the charity of your choice . There will be a private graveside service at Bonaventure Cemetery with Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel in charge. Please sign our guest book on line at www.foxandweeks.com Savannah Morning News January 31, 2012 Please sign our Obituary GuestBook at savannahnow.com/obituaries.