Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Charles Christopher Comey
Charles Christopher Comey
Obituary
Guest Book
Charles Comey Obituary
"Chuck", as his friends called him, was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 6, 1962 to Ralph Howard Comey Jr. and Jacqueline Jessie Comey (née Jones). In 1972 the family moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Chuck graduated from Rincon High School in 1980. In 1984 he obtained a B.A. in English from Yale University (cum laude).
He traveled to China through the Yale-China Association to teach English for a year in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, thus beginning a lifelong association with China. He then obtained an M.A. in East Asian Studies from the University of California, Berkeley in 1987. While studying Chinese at the Stanford Center at National Taiwan University in Taipei, he met his future wife, Judith. They would get married on December 26, 1989.
Chuck studied law at the University of California, Los Angeles, obtaining his J.D. in 1991. Later that year he joined the Palo Alto office of Morrison & Foerster, where he would spend the rest of his legal career specializing in cross-border mergers and acquisitions. He also began his involvement in church leadership, becoming a deacon at the Chinese Church in Christ in Mountain View.
In 1994, shortly after the birth of his son Joseph, the family moved to Japan, where Chuck worked at the Tokyo office for nine years. During this time he served as an elder at Tokyo Baptist Church and welcomed two more sons, Franklin and Ian.
The family then moved to Shanghai, China, where Chuck opened Morrison & Foerster's Shanghai office and served as managing partner for seven years. He was also the chairman of the Board of Elders for Abundant Grace International Fellowship in Shanghai and served until the family returned to the U.S. in 2010. In 2019 he obtained an M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary with an emphasis in ethics and Biblical languages, despite battling lung cancer.
Chuck was a strong, intelligent, and generous man, with a deep love for his family and for God. He was fiercely loyal, honest to a fault, and set a high moral standard for himself and those around him. He will be greatly missed by friends and family alike.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jonathan Meyers
November 14, 2023
I am late to learn of Chuck's passing; I discovered it just now, and a wave of sadness washed over me. Chuck was my business's legal counsel for a decade. As a lawyer, he was simply superb. We all valued his advice which was consistently insightful and always "spot on". Chuck didn't just respond; he was truly proactive in providing service that we hadn't realized we needed. But all that was just part of the picture. Chuck was a decent and honorable man. He stood out. I trusted him and, frankly, simply enjoyed his company. I shall miss him, as shall we all.
Adam Li
November 11, 2023
Excuse us if this is a duplicate but my memory sharing could not be found here after I sent it.
I met Chuck while he was in Shanghai in early 2000. We went to the Thanksgiving Church and AGIF together. Chuck was my mentor figure in many ways. He invited me to his family's Thanksgiving party where we spent many weekends together to study Bible and we went to Israel together. Jie was a co-worker with him at church. His generosity to the church and his humility in serving church members made him a great role model to us.
Chuck and I were also friends in the workplace. His enthusiasm to advocate for his clients is unparalleled. I personally have benefited a lot from him.
After we moved to California, we were blessed to be part of Chuck's family life, especially with Judith and Frankie.
We are grateful to have known Chuck and are comforted that he will be with our eternal Father. I am also inspired to know that we have the same love of His early kingdom, such as Compassion International.
You have done well, Chuck, and we love you.
Adam and Jie
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Adam Li
November 11, 2023
Chuck was one of a few friends who had invited us to the Thanksgiving dinner at his house, where we had spent many weekends worshipping God together during his career in Shanghai. He and Judith were huge encouragements to us living a church-centered life and his generosity in giving to the church inspired us a lot. We also went to Israel, Greece, and Turkey together and his humility in serving others had set a great role model to our family.
Chuck and I were also lawyer friends. His dedication and zealous advocacy for his clients were unparalleled, and his love for professionalism was enthusiastic. I personally benefited a lot while working with him.
While we were both in SV, we were fortunate to connect with Chuck, as well as with Judith and Frankie and that was a blessing!
In farewelling Chuck, I am comforted that he is in heaven with God and we share the same love of God and the same dedication to His earthly kingdom, such as Compassion International.
Love,
Adam + Jie
Lynn Shimasaki
November 11, 2023
Unfortunately, I had not remained in touch with Chuck since serving together at Tokyo Baptist Church, but those times remain precious memories. I admired Chuck for his passion for the welfare of our church and for his work but most of all his love and passion for the Lord. That will be the main thing I will remember about Chuck and his example will always remain a source of encouragement and inspiration to me.
Jim Brosnahan
November 7, 2023
I want to express gratitude for having a partner at Morrison Foerster like Chuck who selflessly devoted his energies and talents to the maintenance of our reputation and growth over all the years. He will be greatly missed.
Chenhsin Huang
November 7, 2023
Uncle Chuck was not only a relative but also a mentor who inspired me to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. From riding bikes to jogging and swimming, he always encouraged me to stay fit. I recall him taking me to watch extreme sports competitions, which were truly memorable.
Moreover, he played an important role in teaching me about American culture and traditions, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. He took the time to explain the importance of these holidays and even invited me to his home for a memorable Christmas dinner. His love and guidance will forever remain in my heart.
Miss you so much, dear Uncle Chuck. Your influence and memories will continue to inspire me. Thank you for everything.
Anna Han
November 2, 2023
Charles was a true scholar and so willing to share his knowledge about law with the next generation of lawyers. He generously guest lectured to students at Santa Clara Law many times. His presence will missed.
Simon Aellen
October 31, 2023
Shanghai 2006-10 one of my happiest memories of 4 years in China, is working with Chuck as a fellow elder at AGIF. A humble and godly man with clear convictions and a warm heart. Praying for close and extended family in grief.
Philippe Poux
October 28, 2023
Chuck and I used to visit inmates together at the San Mateo County jails. These visits were organized by the San Mateo Service League´s religious service team. We would get together with a group of 5 to 15 inmates on Sunday mornings, listen to and discuss scriptures and pray for each other. We aimed at providing as much encouragement as we could to broken men who were desperately looking for a way to hope they could escape the behavioral patterns that had brought them in jail. In these discussions, there was a lot of sadness, pain but also joy and hope.
I will remember Chuck as a dedicated partner in the ministry, strong in the faith and with a gift for reaching out to the men, regardless of their origin or the path they had walked. I will dearly miss him as a brother in Christ.
Calvin Cheng
October 27, 2023
I will always remember Chuck with fond memories of his dedication and fiercely strong values. He was something of a man. My strong condolences go out to Chuck´s family.
Guanchun Dai
October 24, 2023
Around 2006, I was working overtime at our Shanghai office, he drag me out and said, no, this weekend, go out and enjoy life.
Joseph Mei
October 23, 2023
Truly sorry to hear about the passing of Chuck. My heart goes out to the family. Chuck was not only an incredible mentor but a dear friend who touched the lives of individuals with his wisdom and guidance. One of the qualities I admired most about Chuck was his remarkable tenacity and perseverance. No matter the challenges we faced, he approaches them with determination, always teaching us the value of pushing forward. His resilient spirit was truly inspiring. Chuck will forever be cherished and remembered.
Thomas Man
October 23, 2023
I am deeply saddened by Chuck´s passing! I worked with him closely in 2012-2014 on many China transactions. I respected him for his lawyering skills and high standard of professionalism. I also took him in Beijing to visit many Chinese companies and enjoyed these precious moments in working with him. He is my hero and role model as a transnational lawyer! He will be missed forever! Thomas Man - Beijing office 2012-14
Brenda Sun
October 23, 2023
I worked with Chuck for two years as Shanghai Office Manager till he returned to U.S. Chuck set a high standard for himself and inspired those around him. He will always remain as my role model professionally.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Charles Comey's name
How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Charles Comey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
