Teddy Wong, prominent businessman and long time owner of Town & Country Market in Porterville CA, passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2015 at the age of 89. Born to immigrant parents, Gum Tone and Leong Shee Wong he was one of seven children. Teddy was born in San Francisco, CA on April 24, 1926.
At a young age Teddy developed an early work ethic as he shined shoes on the streets of San Francisco.
Shortly after graduating from Galileo High School his life was interrupted by World War II. He was sent to France and Germany where he saw action in General Patton's 3rd army. In 1946 he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.
Upon his return to the United States Teddy entered into the grocery business and started a small store in Richmond Ca. Shortly after he told his father that they needed to find a larger location for their business. He drove over 3000 miles in a few months searching for a new site. A cousin, Gerald Gong of Tulare's Palace Market told Teddy about a possible location in Porterville, CA. Teddy visited the site, was able to purchase the land and thus in 1953 Town and Country Market began.
Over the last 63 years Teddy remained the consummate grocer and was highly regarded and respected by his peers. He was very customer orientated and he believed in giving the highest quality meats, produce, and goods for the lowest possible price. Over the years, Town and Country Market has flourished as an independent in this present day of corporate grocery store chains. On a typical day you could see Teddy sweeping the floors, washing the windows, or just taking customer's groceries to their cars. He especially took pride in his produce department where you could often find him working. You couldn't get past Teddy without him telling you what produce he had acquired that day and what was fresh and tasty. Before you knew it, you would find his recommendation in your grocery cart!!!!
Teddy was always involved in the local community and was proud to be a part of Porterville. He believed that if you made a living in a community that you should support that community. He was very generous in supporting and donating to local events and organizations. In 1990 he was instrumental in making it possible for Porterville to be designated an All American City. He donated to the freeze relief in the 1990's, annually sponsored the annual 4-H breakfast, donated to the Porterville Fair, supported the livestock sale at the fair, and is a patron of Sierra View District Hospital. In 1992, Teddy was named a Friend of Education by the Porterville Unified School District; in 2001 was named Porterville's Man of the Year; in 2011, placed on Porterville High School's Wall of Fame and just last year in 2014 was given the Alan R Coates Award for lifetime achievement by the Porterville Chamber of Commerce.
Besides the Porterville community, Teddy was supportive of his Chinese upbringing. He and other Chinese grocers founded the Central Valley Chinese Cultural Center in Visalia to promote Chinese culture, activities and heritage. Teddy and other family members have also sponsored the building of a new school in their ancestor's native village in China.
Teddy was preceded in death by his son Bradley Kim Wong and brothers George, Henry, Norman, and sisters Tai, Ellen, and Myrtle.
Teddy is survived by his wife of 68 years Jean; daughters Brenda (Kim) Veitch and Barbara (Vernon) Sue, and son Brian (Laurie) Wong
9 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren.
Thank you to caregivers, Mary Rockholt and Fernando Galang. Also, thank you to the wonderful staff at Roger S. Goode Chemotherapy and Radiation Departments and Dr George Hajar; the staff at SVDH Wound Care Center and Doctors Ted Bosch and Frederick Young; Doctors Lauren Pinter Brown and Joel Hecht at UCLA Oncology. Special thanks to , not only a doctor but a friend, Dr Owen Kim for his compassion and dedication.
Viewing will be conducted at Myers Funeral Chapel, Porterville CA on Thursday, September 24, 2015 from 3PM to 7PM.
Teddy's Celebration of Life will be conducted at Porterville Church of the Nazarene at 2005 Olive Ave on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 11AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Teddy Wong to The Roger S Good Cancer Treatment Center at Sierra View District Hospital 465 W Putnam, Porterville Ca 93257, OR The Central Valley Chinese Cultural Center at 500 S Akers Road , Visalia CA 93277

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Porterville Recorder from Sep. 24 to Sep. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Theordore Wong

10 Entries

Dale Braly

October 15, 2015

I remember Mr. Wong from when I was a child and was friends with his son Brad 1st grade through high school. As a boy I once opened a box of cereal in the store to get the toy. My mother caught me and marched me up to Mr. Wong to apologize. He was very kind and told me I was still a good kid. That was almost 50 years ago and I still remember him.

Becky Velasquez

October 1, 2015

Barbara & Vern, my condolences to your family in this difficult time... The community has lost a wonderful man. My prayers are with you all..God bless

September 30, 2015

Dear Barbara, My sincere condolences to you and your family. Your father was a true gentleman!

Jeff Diamond

Andy,Maria,Miranda Sanchez

September 27, 2015

Our heartfelt condolences to allow the families and friends of Mr.Teddy Wong. I and my family have shopped at Town and Country for many many years. I remember shopping with my parents when I was a little girl and now in my 50's I still continue to shop there. Mr. Wong was always extremely helpful,kind and a true gentlemen. He was the epitome of hard work and success. We will miss him and it was our pleasure having known him.

Debra Clifton

September 27, 2015

One of the highlights of shopping at T&C was being greeted by Mr Wong in the produce department with his welcoming smile! He was a very kind & gentle man that will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to his family & friends. Porterville has lost not only a great man & a pillar of the community, it has lost a legend as well.

Wanda Nelson

September 26, 2015

I remember when Teddy open Town and Country Market, he was a really nice person and so is Jeannie, I now live in Indiana, Teddy and his family were and are really sweet people,my thoughs and prayers go out to his family.

Misty Goodrick

September 25, 2015

Until this day I still talk about your stores. As a little girl and with my mom we shopped at your store. I think you were the only one that would accept her bounced checks. She would go up to the lady and ask if she could cash checks and she would let my mom would go in there all the time. My favorite was town n country drug because I like to go in there and they had arts in crafts and all kinds of what nots, tinkers, and inspirational things to buy. I liked the fried rice I would always ask my mom to get some it was my favorite she even tried making it one time. I love your family. I hope you keep the business going I wish they would of kept town n coultry drug open. I pray for the family.

Steve and Joanie Paternoster

September 25, 2015

We send our sincere sympathy to the family. Teddy gave so much to the community; our children received high school scholarships from him which were a great help in furthering their educations. We will really miss seeing Teddy at Town and Country!

Michael Corcoran

September 24, 2015

The legacy example " is do for others ", as Teddy did. T&C the very best store I have ever shopped for food. We miss his smile and kindness.

Randy Minnick

September 24, 2015

Dearest Barbara,
Our deepest condolences at the passing of your father to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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