Rong-Chin Kuo

Rong-Chin Kuo, 81, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at St. Luke's Hospital-Fountain Hill. He was the loving husband of Meichih (Chen) Kuo and the beloved father of Patricia and Julia. Rong-Chin was born in Qi Shan District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan on April 21, 1942 to the late Chen Ji and Mian (Chen) Kuo. He was the second oldest child of 6 children. Born during World War II, Rong-Chin learned to be resourceful and helped the family even as a young child. Rong-Chin attended National Cheng Chi University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Taxation and Finance in 1965. He met Meichih at work in 1968 and they married in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in January 1970. Together, Rong-Chin and Meichih raised two daughters.
Rong-Chin began his career in Export License Processing for the Taiwanese Government before coming to the United States in 1986. Rong-Chin then owned the Lotus Chinese Restaurant in the Lehigh Shopping Center, Bethlehem where he was the executive chef. The Lotus Chinese Restaurant was in operation for nearly 10 years in the late 1980s to mid-1990s and was a well known fixture with its regular clientele. After the restaurant was sold, Rong-Chin rejoined the Export License Processing division in Taiwan until the early 2000s. For the past 20 years Rong-Chin (known as Kuo by his colleagues) worked in the Wokery and Produce departments at many Wegmans locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland. He was on teams that achieved #1 sales in the districts where the stores were located in part due to his innovative ideas, discipline, and hard work.
Rong-Chin was a lifelong learner and read extensively on acupuncture, Eastern herbal medicine, and philosophy. He obtained his certification in acupuncture. Rong-Chin enjoyed traveling and immersed himself in the local tradition and cuisine. In addition, he was creative and had many hobbies, including practicing and teaching tai chi, gardening, hiking, swimming, and running. He ran in the Rocky Run in Philadelphia for more than 5 years. He cooked elaborate meals and told many fascinating stories at family gatherings.
Rong-Chin was most proud of his daughters and grandchildren. His daughter, Patricia, Ph.D. is developing drug therapies for patients living with rare diseases. His daughter Julia, PMP, POPM, graduated with a business administration degree and leads a product development team at Schwab Charitable.
In addition to his wife of 53 years, Rong-Chin was survived by daughters: Patricia (Michael F. Haller, Ph.D.) Kuo Haller of California, Julia Y. (Lincoln K. Pao, M.D.) Kuo of Colorado; grandchildren: Sophia Pao, Matthew Haller and Alexander Haller; siblings: Rong Chien Kuo, Yi Chuan Kuo, Shang Fang Kuo. Predeceased by his brothers: Corrigan and Rong Keng Kuo.
Service: Family and friends are invited to gather at 9:00-10:00 AM (Eastern Daylight Time) on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 East Broad Street in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania followed by Celebration of Life Service at 10:00 AM (Eastern Daylight Time). An option to join the Celebration of Life virtually is available at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87005565869?pwd=VUhvVFhwUjgzOXBOWFRRR0t4TzJ4dz09
Online condolences may be offered at connellfuneral.com.