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Joe Yee Obituary
December 3, 1921 - December 10, 2022
Sacramento, California - On December 10, 2022, Joe F. Yee, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather peacefully passed away after turning 101 one week prior on December 3. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Frances (Fannie) and is survived by current wife Connie, to whom he has been married for 21 years, daughters Jolene (Armand) Louie and Teri (John) Chen, son Glenn (Frances) Yee, granddaughters Shannon (Kelvin) Eng, Courtney (Jimmy) Fan, Taryn Yee and Shelby Chen, and great-grandson Kevin Eng. His stepsons include Dennis (Linea) Gong and Lawrence (Jeanne) Gong, and his step-grandsons include Byron Chen, Corey Gong, Joshua Gong and Dylan Gong.
A veteran of World War II, Joe was recently awarded a Congressional medal for distinguished service by Chinese American veterans. (https://youtu.be/SBY-WR3Z4ao) After the war, he attended the University of California, Berkeley and received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1948. He then started his career with the City of Sacramento, retiring in 1985 as the City Chief Electrical Engineer, a high-level position that was rare for an Asian American person to hold at the time of appointment.
Even in his advanced age, Joe maintained an active lifestyle with a social life that rivaled his grandchildrens'. Joe enjoyed playing poker with his friends and investing in the stock market. He was an avid gardener, which he believed was a key to his longevity, and was known for his prized citrus fruits. He took up ballroom dancing when he was in his 70s, quickly proving he was an excellent dancer and volunteered as a dance instructor for senior citizens well into his 90s.
Following a privately-held service, Joe was interred at East Lawn Cemetery in Sacramento. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Asian Community Center in Sacramento.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Yee
1 Entry
Ed Gor, National Director, Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Proje
January 6, 2023
To the family of Joe F. Yee,
On behalf of the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project, please accept our sincerest sympathies on the passing of Mr. Yee. We are grateful for his service and honored that he was able to receive his Congressional Gold Medal in the presence of family and friends. His example of service and contributions to his community are greatly appreciated.
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