Former Cubs and Phillies manager Lee Elia had two children with his second wife, Priscilla Clodfetter.
Lee Elia, a former major league player and coach who was managing the Chicago Cubs in 1983 when he famously criticized the team’s fans for booing in a memorable postgame rant, died on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 87.
However, the cause of death has not been revealed yet.
The Philadelphia Phillies took to their official Facebook handle and mourned the loss of Lee. They wrote,
The Phillies mourn the loss of Lee Elia, who managed the club from 1987-88. We extend our condolences to Lee’s widow Priscilla and the entire Elia family at this difficult time.
Philadelphia Phillies
Bill Furman, the co-host at Philly Pressbox Radio, also offered his heartfelt condolences by stating,
RIP LEE ELIA. Lee is a former Phillies Manager and also the 3rd Base Coach in the 1980 World Champion Phillies. Born in Philadelphia Lee was a “baseball lifer”. He was 87 years old. Rest Easy Lee, forever a Phillies World Champion.
Bill Furman
Tom Horan, who works at Philly Metro Golfweek Amateur Tour, also mourned Elia’s loss on his social media. He wrote,
aWe lost Lee Elia today. His rant while managing the Cubs is truly epic! Brings me to tears of laughter every time I hear it or read it! If you don’t know the story, google it! So funny! He was a pretty good coach too!!
Tim Horan
Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Elia’s family to stay strong in this difficult time.
Lee will always be remembered for his unforgettable contribution as a manager and coach. Rest in Heaven, Lee Elia.
Lee Elia Is Survived By His Wife, Priscilla Clodfetter, After A Divorce From His First Wife
Born on July 16, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, Lee Elia was married to his first wife, whose identity has not been revealed yet.
After several years, their marriage came to an end, and Lee later married his second wife, Priscilla Clodfetter.
After marriage, Priscilla and Lee resided together in Odessa, Florida.
Although Priscilla stayed away from the media spotlight, she always supported Lee in balancing his professional and personal life.
Sadly, their married life ended following the tragic death of Lee. Close ones and relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Priscilla to stay strong in this challenging time.
The Chicago Cubs organization joined the rest of the baseball world in mourning the recent passing of Lee and said their thoughts are with his wife, Priscilla, and their children. They wrote,
“His connection with our organization will forever be remembered and our thoughts are with his wife, Priscilla, and his entire family.”
Chicago Cubs
Baseball Manager And Coach Lee Elia And His Wife Priscilla Welcomed Two Daughters
Lee Elia and Priscilla Clodfetter shared two daughters, Tana and Ashley Elia.
As per Tana’s official Facebook handle, she is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and went to Clearwater High School.
Later, she graduated from Bauder College in 1990.
Her Facebook handle also showcased that she has been married since December 20, 2022. However, her husband’s identity has been kept private.
Recently, Tana Elia thanked the Chicago Cubs for their tribute to her father, Lee Elia. She said,
Thank you Chicago Cubs for this beautiful and gracious tribute to my Dad. I will miss him and all the lives he touched along his journey!
Tana Elia
On the other hand, Lee’s second daughter, Ashley, has stayed away from the media spotlight. She is also mourning the loss of her devoted father, Lee Elia.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Lee Elia was the uncle of Olympic swimmer Frank Leskaj, the first Albanian-American to represent Albania in the Olympics.
- In 1992, Lee was hired as the manager of the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons of the International League. He led the team to an 84-58 record before retiring from being a manager.
- Elia was born to his father Constantine and his mother Florence (Soulas) Elia. His father, Connie Elia, was born in Albania and emigrated to the United States in 1920.
