Sun's Laundry - Robert Sum Lee (1936-2024)

Today we memorialize the life of my Grand-Uncle Robert Sum Lee 李洪森 (1936-2024). He immigrated to the United States in 1957 and ran Sun’s Laundry business for over 61 years. During the pandemic he had to close down his storefront located at 626 East 14th Street serving the Stuyvesant Town community in Manhattan.

The closing of his storefront ends a chapter in the greater Chinese American legacy as the last Chinese Hand Laundry businesses in New York.

In August 2020, I kindly asked my friend Sheldon Chau to help capture the closing of our family’s storefront. Subsequently, I was lucky enough to interview my Grand Uncle twice more before his passing.

Robert Lee’s story was featured by Hanna Park of NBC News in October 2020, and later in a 2022 Exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York.

This mini-documentary honors the family and community that he served. We are truly appreciative of how much love and support has been shared in appreciating his incredible journey. On March 1, 2024, Robert Sum Lee passed away.

Featured Photographs by @sheldonchau, @funnel and the late @corkyleeee

Music by @georgeshawmusic

Special Thanks to Jane, Edward, and Wai Hing Lee Family, Sun’s Laundry Community & Supporters,
The Gee Family,@nbcasianamerica @nbcnews @museumofcityny

© 2024 Leap Man Productions