Ming Dea

Ming Dea, age 97, of Chicago, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024 after a long and fulfilling life.
Ming was born in Kaiping, Guangdong, China on October 22, 1926. His parents emigrated to the Chicago area when he was a young boy, but he and his younger sister were left in the care of their uncle in Shanghai. Unfortunately, circumstances did not work out and they were forced to return to Kaiping with their elderly grandparents. At the age of 13, Ming became the head of the household. It was 1939 and the war had broken out so the financial remittances from their parents were lost. To support the family, Ming would walk miles to sell their household goods and possessions. He wore out so many pairs of shoes he had to resort to binding cardboard to his feet.
At 15, Ming became a rice merchant and since that tender age, he was an enterprising businessman. Ming married Kwan Bo Yuk and they were blessed with four children. When the war ended, Ming was able to join the rest of the family in Chicago. A short stint working in a restaurant influenced him to become a restaurant owner. After owning several restaurants, he ventured into the hardware business, which he owned until his retirement.
Although it was a big part of his life, Ming's entrepreneurial experience did not define him. He enjoyed traveling and was able to visit many countries with Bo Yuk. He especially enjoyed exploring the various areas of his native land of China. Ming did not forget his home village of Kaiping either and was able to organize a group to create an amazing travel destination there. With his guidance, the group converted a relative's estate into Kaiping's major tourist draw. Back home in Chicago, he was involved in several different civic organizations. He was instrumental in forming two organizations that enabled more unity among the various groups of Chinese immigrants.
Ming did not have much opportunity for education, but his thirst for knowledge and curiosity made him a master gardener and a much sought after DIY-er. His knowledge of history, geography, and science surpassed those of much more educated people.
Ming will be missed by the family he leaves behind. He is survived by his children, Bing (Natalie) Tse, Gail (Paul) Ing, Joyce (James) Hui and Frank (Eva) Dea; grandchildren, Christina (Matthew) Hubbard, Andre (Joy) Ing, Alex (Cary) Dea, Elaine (Jack) Zhao, Michelle Ing, Andrew (Jennifer) Tse, Jordan Hui and Amanda Tse; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Abigail, Miles, Esme and Leah; and his siblings, Betty Chin, Rose Marr, Lilly Tsai, Paul Tsai and Anne (Ashok) Bizzul.
Ming was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kwan Bo Yuk.
In lieu of flowers, all memorial donations will be designated for various local schools.
Visitation will be on Friday October 18, 2024 from 3-8pm and Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 9 am until time of funeral service 10:30 am at the Dalcamo Funeral Home, 470 West 26th Street, Chicago, IL. Interment Mt. Auburn Cemetery.
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