Irving Leon Rommel Jr.

Irving Leon “Lee” Rommel Jr., 80, passed away on April 8, 2026. Born on July 14, 1945, in Dover, NJ, Lee was a long time resident of Wilmington, NC. He lived a life defined by service, adventure, and deep devotion to his family. He especially loved camping and traveling the country in his Fifth Wheel, spending time in many states and enjoying a decade of life in Cedar Key, FL, before recently returning to North Carolina to be closer to family.

Lee proudly served his country as a CM2 in the U.S. Navy Seabees, embracing their “Can Do” spirit from June 28, 1963, through his honorable discharge from the Naval Reserves on October 3, 1988. His service included time in Naples, Italy during the Vietnam War, where he received several letters of appreciation, a letter of commendation, and the National Defense Service Medal.

A man committed to helping others, Lee volunteered as a firefighter for both the Town of Hopatcong, NJ, and the Winter Park Volunteer Fire Department in Wilmington, NC. He later worked for Bell South for many years, forming friendships that lasted throughout his life.

Lee is survived by his three children: Tracey Speck, Nicole (Kurt) Wrench, and Brian (Kendra) Rommel; as well as two daughters he gained and loved as his own, Erica (Don) LaRotonda and Wendy Walters (Dale). He was the proud grandfather of eleven grandchildren—Aaron (Lizz), Alexandria, Kurt, Austin, Madison (Michael), Cameron (Destiny), Brooke, Baileigh (Jonathan), Brice, Kyleigh, and Kaiden—and three great grandchildren, Grayson, Declan, and Layla. He also leaves behind a wide circle of friends who will miss his humor, loyalty, and easygoing nature.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Irving Leon Rommel Sr. and Naomi Mable Counterman Rommel; his sister, Patricia Burnside; and his loving wife of 35 years, Martha H. Rommel, who passed away on March 20, 2026. It brings comfort to know they are together again.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their compassionate care during Lee’s final days.

A joint Celebration of Life for both Lee and Martha will be held in the coming weeks, honoring them together just as they lived—side by side.