Paul Wong

Paul Z. Wong Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, passed away on May 2, 2010 at the age of 96. He was born in Toishan, China on August 24, 1913. His grandfather had a business in San Francisco, where his father, Wong Bak Yuen, was born. His father took a wife, who unfortunately died in China when Paul was 5 years old. He lived with his grandmother, until age eleven, when his father arranged for him to come to America with an aunt. Paul was proud of his service in WWII with the US Army's logistics division supporting the 322nd Fighter Control Squadron (the Flying Tigers), and was the Post Commander of the San Francisco (SF) Chinatown Post 4618 Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1967 - 1968. He successfully pursued many careers, including chef (Trader Vics, Sheraton Palace, Hilton Hotel, Olympic Club), restaurant owner and grocery store proprietor. He founded the SF Chinese Grocers Association. He loved fishing, especially with his children and grandchildren. He was a life long member and past president of the SF Chinatown Sportsmen Club. During retirement and in his spare time, he loved to do pencil sketches and stone carvings. He was a docent with the SF Chinese Cultural Society and member of the SF Chinese Historical Society. He contributed to many good causes. He instilled in his children and grandchildren the belief that one can pursue and achieve goals in life. He was proud of his family and what they have achieved in their lives. He was always there to help friends and family with advice and with their goals and challenges. His knowledge, support and generosity went beyond his immediate family. He was highly regarded and loved by his huge extended family as well. Paul is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lucille, sons Aaron (Maelene), Leary (Nina), Brace (Phyllis) and Ron (Vanessa), daughter, Cheryl Wong-Ng, grandchildren, Geoffrey Wong, Trisha Wong, Eric Wong, Kirra Wong, Kevin Mo-Wong, Ryan Cooper, Karena Wong, Nikki Wong, Tracy Ng, and great-grandchildren, Megan Wong, Chloe Wong, Tiyana Wong-Greene, Leila Cooper, Eli Cooper, and Dylan Satumbaga. Paul was much loved and his presence will always be with us. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday May 15, 2010 at Cypress Lawns, 1370 El Camino Real, Colma, CA with services to start at 2:00 pm. Donations can be made to Self-Help for the Elderly of San Francisco, On Lok of San Francisco, Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, or Hospice of East Bay.