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Bruce Ho Obituary
Bruce Ho (Ho Kai Hoy), restaurateur, passed away at home on September 6, 2014. He is survived by his wife Polly and their daughter Phyllis Ho, a dentist and documentary filmmaker, and Andreas Benzing, her husband.
The middle of Jack and Kam Su's three boys, Bruce was born in Bayshore, Long Island in 1926, and moved back and forth with his family to different parts of China and New York several times over the years. He graduated from East South Officer Training School in Fujian and became a Company Commander during World War II, after which he attended New York University and City College, where he lettered in freestyle for the swim team.
A well-known innovator in the field of Chinese cuisine, his restaurant Bruce Ho's Four Seas opened in 1964 at 116 East 57th Street in Manhattan and immediately drew crowds, including regulars Burt Bacharach the newspaper man and his son the composer, dancer Ginger Rogers, and New York City Mayor Abe Beame. Comedian Alan King became a friend and initiated Bruce into the Friars Club, where he was a member for decades. He also owned and operated restaurants in Long Island and New Jersey.
Bruce loved New York's internationalism and was superb at treating people according to their desires. He worked hard, laughed hard, and was an inimitable gentleman.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Ho
Ciaran Tully
September 6, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ciaran Tully
September 6, 2022
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Ciaran Tully
September 7, 2021
RIP
Bruce Silleg
November 11, 2020
I knew Bruce for many years as a friend and a patron of his restaurant. My whole family knew Bruce and what a terrific host and friend. It was our favorite Chinese restaurant in the city. we were all very depressed when it closed. I remember nights that you and I would go out till the wee hrs of the morning, laughing and drinking all night. We miss your laghter and friendship forever.
Ciaran Tully
September 6, 2020
You are missed Bruce
RIP
Ciarán Tully
November 10, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Vincent Wing
September 16, 2014
To the family of my first cousin, Bruce. He was a kind person and took care of his uncle (my dad) Henry Wing. I was anticipating the completion of his auto biography which I found in Goggle but it was not yet finished. But read part 1 on his life and was very colorful. He wil be remembered. Vincent Wing [email protected]
September 15, 2014
Bruce has now joined my late husband Phil Kahl ~ a brother Friar .. He made me the best Mish Mash & Phil old fashioned chicken chow mein with brown sauce .. Can't get that in FL .. RIP Bruce ~ miss you .. Winifred Ann (Kahl) Schwarcz Boca Raton
Micki and Harley Spiller
September 14, 2014
Please accept our sincere condolences Polly and Phyllis nad family. Your Bruce was always fun to be with and gracious beyond grace. Be strong as he would want...
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