Philip Wong Ong

Resident of Hayward Dec. 24, 1922 - Nov. 9, 2008 Philip W. Ong passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2008 at the age of 85. Born in Canton, China on December 24, 1922, he immigrated to the United States at the age of 14 with his father and lived in Phoenix, Arizona while learning the grocery trade. Joining the U.S. Navy, he bravely served in the Pacific theater during World War II. After the war he returned to Canton, China and married Lan Soo Hoo in 1947. Together they made their home in the United States, settling in Oakland, California where they opened their own family grocery store. In 1951, he moved his growing family and business to Hayward, where he started Superway Shopping Center. It became one of the first shopping centers on Tennyson Road and continues to thrive today. Becoming a very successful businessman, he was highly respected in the Hayward community; during this time he became a United States citizen. He was also a proud father raising six children. After retiring from the grocery business in 1968, he took the challenge of starting a second career in the automotive sales, where he distinguished himself as the top sales person for both Ford and Cadillac dealerships before retiring once again for the last time in 1980. In retirement, he and his wife enjoyed cooking, traveling, visiting friends and going on family outings. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Lan S. Ong; two daughters, Lillian Yee and Peggy Plunkett; four sons, Philip, Edward, Thomas and John; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Viewing will be Thursday, November 13 between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Funeral service will be held on Friday, November 14, 2008 at 11:00 AM. Both will be held at the Sunset View Mortuary, Top of Fairmount Ave., El Cerrito, California. SUNSET VIEW MORTUARY Tel. (510) 525-5111