Stanford Michael Chong

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stanford Michael Chong 74, a longtime resident of Providence and Pawtucket, RI, on May 17, 2025. Surrounded by his loving former wife of 22 years, Laurie Whitehill, and his dear friends, he went home peacefully, after a long illness, to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Stan is survived by his brother Franklin John Chong and wife Susan Osaki, along with several cousins, all of Honolulu, Hawaii. The son of John Patrick Hung Sung Chong and Marcella Sui En Ching, Stanford was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, with siblings Marlene, Marco, and Franklin.
After graduating from Iolani School in 1968, he served in the Army National Guard. Following his passion and talents in the arts, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Hawaii, Honolulu in 1980 and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Photography from Rhode Island School of Design in 1983. A skilled painter, sculptor, and craftsman, he focused his career as a photographer, working for Warren Jagger Photography in Providence from 1986 to 2013.
During this time they traveled around the country and beyond, to photograph on site, the works of distinguished architects. In addition to his many creative abilities, Stan was passionate about films, music, cats, and foods of all cultures. A talented guitarist, he played in the worship team for over fifteen years at Good News Bible Chapel in Attleboro, MA. He loved coaching and encouraging young guitarists and gave of his time generously to support them. Having grown up surfing in Hawaii, Stan quickly adapted to our New England climate, becoming an avid skier and enjoying the slopes of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. With each new athletic endeavor, he tried out every possible approach and technique thoroughly with enthusiasm, until he had it mastered. In-line skating, mountain biking, kayaking, and skateboarding were among his happy pursuits, but he never lost his love of sailing. In addition to collecting and meticulously restoring small boats, he spent vacations with his wife on Penobscot Bay in Maine, exploring the many small islands near South Thomaston.
Stan will always be lovingly remembered for his cheerful spirit, his way of making people feel comfortable and valued, his generosity, his intellectual curiosity, insightful observations, and engaging conversations. His subtle wit and quirky humor would catch you by surprise, even up to his last days. Stan will be greatly missed, as he lived life fully and touched so many lives. May his memory be a blessing.
A Celebration of Life will be held June 7, 2025 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Good News Bible Chapel, 235 West Street, Attleboro, MA. Donations in honor of Stanford may be made to Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, RI. https://www.hopehealthco.org/hopehealth-hulitar-hospice