Cyrus "Cy" Inyong Rhee
May 29, 1935 - January 20, 2026
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Cyrus "Cy" Inyong Rhee
May 29, 1935 - January 20, 2026
Obituary
Cyrus “Cy” Inyong Rhee, a loving husband, supportive father, and doting grandfather. Born May 29th, 1935, and passed away on January 20th, 2026 in the city of Mission Viejo, CA at the age of 90.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Shin-Rhee and their 4 children (Son, David & Wife Shirley Siu-Rhee, Eldest Daughter, Alison Sundly, Youngest Daughter Grace Mead and Youngest Son, Ted Rhee.), along with eleven grandchildren, whom he adored above all else.
He was humble and loyal with friends and family, and strong and silent through adversity. Deeply cherished, he will be missed by all who knew him.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Cyrus was the oldest of five children. Cyrus immigrated at the age of 24. He successfully earned a Bachelor of Science degree on a student Visa at Iowa State University, where he would study to become a Chemical Engineer. Later working for Fluor Corporation based in Irvine, CA for ~30 years. As with many immigrants, he had the dream to create a beautiful life in the United States with his beloved wife Hae Chung “Joyce” Shin-Rhee, whom he shared 62 years of a blessed marriage. His grandchildren—Alec, Parker, Cole, Devyn, Joshua, Evan, Slater, Kaley, Brayden, Lexy and Taylor—were the light of his life and remain his proudest legacy. His memory will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass at Santiago De Compostela Catholic Church, Lake Forest.
Funeral Mass:
Santiago De Compostela, presider Father Thomas Naval, Pastor
Monday, February 9th, 2026 @ 10am
Reception to follow at the Parish Hall from 11:30 – 1:00pm (all welcome).
21682 Lake Forest Dr., Lake Forest, CA 92630
Graveside Ceremony @ 2:00pm – Ascension Cemetery
24754 Trabuco Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Funeral Mass
- Date & Time: February 9, 2026 (10:00 AM)
- Next Service: Reception To Follow: Parish Hall From 11:30 – 1:00pm
- Venue: Santiago De Compostela Catholic Church
- Location: 21682 Lake Forest Dr. Lake Forest, CA 92630 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 951-8599
Graveside Service
- Date & Time: February 9, 2026 (2:00 PM)
- Venue: Ascension Cemetery
- Location: 24754 Trabuco Road Lake Forest, CA 92630 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 837-1331
Santiago De Compostela
- Website: https://venmo.com/?txn=pay&audience=friends&recipients=Santiago_de_Compostela
- Description: Cyrus was a devout Catholic and an active parishioner, along with his wife Joyce at Santiago de Compostela, Lake Forest, CA since its inception in 1979. He held various roles, including: Choir member, Cantor, Eucharist Minister, Relevant Radio Coordinator and many other roles. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the church in his name.
2 responses to Cyrus "Cy" Inyong Rhee
Christine Nelson says:
January 27, 2026
Although I never had the chance to meet him personally, Cyrus and I did exchange many supportive and caring messages with each other over the years. I know how deeply he was loved and I’m sending my heartfelt condolences to his devoted wife Joyce and his loving family.
Manning S. Taite III says:
February 9, 2026
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Rhee ohana on the passing of their father, Cyrus Rhee. I met Cyrus over 40 years ago while attending UC Davis with his son David Rhee, whom I am still close to as a brother to today. Cyrus was an exemplary father figure and dedicated his life to being a role model for his family as a respected professional in engineering, a community leader, an endearing husband, a kind father, and a loving grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rhee ohana at this time, especially, Mrs. Rhee, Allison, Grace, Ted, Dave, and all of their ohana. Much love and peace at this time. Manning S. Taite III, Dr. Rika Suzuki, and Dylan Kamohoali’i Taite