Devoted husband, dad, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away on July 4, 2015. Percy, a San Francisco native, was born on August 30, 1927 to Wong Shee and Chung Tip Gee. Percy was the youngest of six children. Percy was predeceased by his first born son Jay Michael, siblings Ann, Lincoln, Alfred and Ida.
Percy attended Jean Parker and Commodore Stockton Elementary Schools, Francisco Middle School, Washington High School, and San Francisco City College. After attending just one year at City College, San Francisco, Percy was drafted into the United States Army in 1945. In 1950, after being honorably discharged from the Army, Percy began a career with the United States Postal Service.
On July 27, 1952, Percy began what was to become a long association with San Francisco's Recreation and Park Department. No one could have imagined that by answering a call for provisional part-time directors, that Percy would devote more than fifty-two years to this "second career." Most of his time was spent at his second home, the Betty Ann Ong Chinese Recreation Center. In this capacity, Percy was also a coach to hundreds of San Francisco Saints basketball players. He was a father figure, a mentor and a strong, sturdy backbone to lean on. For nearly 40 years as a steadfast coach and player - he led the "Saints" basketball teams on national and international tours including two trips to China, Seattle, Boston, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. He touched and affected many lives in a deep and memorable fashion. He taught young people to do things the right way, with passion, an eye for detail and a sense of purpose.
Percy leaves behind his wife Jean, the love of his life, whom he married in 1955; children Stacy (Bill), Dana (Charles), Derek (Angela); grandchildren Matthew and Bradley (Lucia) Joe, Chelsea and Alexa Wong, Sander and Skyler Chu, Sister Jessie, many nephews and nieces and dear friends.
Percy was a man of few words, but what he said he meant. Percy loved the skills and the mental toughness which was basketball, a good steamy-hot bowl of pei-dan "jook", Monday Group luncheons, Seinfeld, and written correspondence. The internet and texting were his nemeses! Most of all, he loved his grandchildren.
The family will gather for a celebration of Percy's life. Donations in honor of Percy's memory may be made to: St. Mary's Chinese Day School, 838 Kearny St., San Francisco, CA 94111

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 6 to Jul. 9, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Percy Chu

26 Entries

David Fong

July 6, 2025

In the 60”s during summer vacation, my favorite hang out place was the Chinese Recreation Center. I can’t remember a time that Percy wasn’t there! He was a kind and caring person, but you never wanted to get on his bad side. And you know what? Kids needed that kind of guy in charge! He didn’t just let the kids run wild. If you needed something, Percy was there! I recently was able to drop by and was happy to see his picture and the main Basketball court named in his honor! God bless you for touching the lives of all the kids (including myself) during your tenure at the Chinese Recreation Center. You are missed.

Andrew Jew

June 30, 2025

Percy,
It's been 10 years, again it seems like it was a few days ago we chatted. I will always think of the good times we had when we won the the SF Saint Championship in 62. My thoughts are hopfully with you.
Andrew

Andrew Jew

June 30, 2024

Hi Percy,
Always thinking of you and the good tines we had. Can't believe it's been over 8 years since you've been gone. Seems like just a few days ago when we were messing around. I miss you.
Andrew Jew

COLLIN Huey

July 21, 2015

Just one of thousands of kids that spent hours playing at the gym and seeing Percy there

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Ryan Yip

July 17, 2015

I got to know Percy late in life when I was researching my dad's basketball team. Percy would take the time to write me notes and send pictures of my dad on the Chinatown teams. I feel lucky to have received the warmth of Percy's generous spirit. My condolences to Jean and family.

Glenn Schwarz

July 15, 2015

At the Examiner and Chronicle sports departments we always enjoyed Percy's visits and appreciated his contributions to the community. My condolences to his family.

Lywen Chew

July 14, 2015

Percy was my supervisor at the USPS back in 1981. I've never forgotten some of his outrageously funny and droll comments. He appeared gruff on the outside, but he had a BIG heart. Thank you Percy!

Stan Stewart

July 12, 2015

Praise for you Percey...a wonderful family man...an outstanding community organizer via your love of basketball. You helped an endless number of young people as well as oldsters. As you continue your journey may our paths cross again where we might play on the same team.

July 8, 2015

Percy and I first encountered one another when I was about 10 years old. Like so many others who dare to wear black-soled shoes into the Rec Center gym, he threw me out for marking up the gym floor.

Little did I know that approximately 10+ years later he would become my father in-law. He looked mean, but he was the most gentle, modest, fair and kind man. I was fortunate to have you as my father in-law. I'm thankful and appreciative for the times we shared. Who would have known that the haircut we took together recently would have been our last. Percy had idiosyncrasies that could drive me nuts, but I LOVED him.

Thank you DAD, for being so caring, loving and understanding. You welcomed not only me into your family, but you welcomed my entire family as well. I can't express to you how much that meant to me and my parents.

Thank you for taking care of me and my family. I will miss you.

Love Bill

July 7, 2015

My condolences to Jean and family. Just heard about Percy's passing ... following Moe's death one year, one day later. You guys went out with a bang! Memories of Percy and Jeannie sunning on a bench at Commodore Stockton school yard, along with George Lum (Lummie) watching us kids play. Lots of fond memories.

Benny

Phil Gee

July 7, 2015

Condolences to the chu family... percy was a uncle to me as he always reminded me of the pride of being a gee and that both my father and him came from the same village, both fought in ww2 and both worked at the usps... I wish i had the chance to talk to him more and cherish the stories he shared with me... percy i will always remember the memories.

Kristina Lee

July 7, 2015

In junior high, we would play volleyball at the rec center. Percy kept an eye on us to make sure we were on our best behavior. Growing up, I would bump into Percy in my neighborhood and we would end up talking and catching up. As his health declined, I did not see him, but got to talk with Jean since we parked our cars next to each other. I will miss him.
The Chu's are a lovely family and sending my condolences to them all.

July 7, 2015

First met Percy when I was a kid hanging around the Rec Center and playing ball in the late '50's. Big smile on my face every time I think of him. He kept up with us after we "grew up," too, sending his original, always entertaining Percy-penned letters in the mail. Percy's life was dedicated to helping others. That's all you need to know about him to know he lived a highly meaningful life. He was such a positive influence to sooooo many people. Percy, I'll miss your refreshing humor, honesty and straight-shooting talk.
You were the Best !! I will remember you with great love and fondness for all my remaining days. My deepest condolences to Jean and Family......-gary joe

Derrick Lee

July 7, 2015

Our family was sadden to hear of Mr. Chu's passing, whom I called Uncle Percy, as he was a good friend of my dad. My dad told me the great times he enjoyed with Uncle Percy. I had a memory where after going to Chinese Center we went to a place in Chinatown to eat, it's an old place with the nickname Pork Chop House. When I graduated from SFSU in 2007, I received a meaningful card and gift from Mr. & Mrs. Chu, which was very thoughtful. I pray that my Savior Jesus can comfort your family in this time. May he reveal his love to your family.

Debbie Wong-Yee

July 7, 2015

Growing up down the street from Chinese Center meant it was a 2nd home for many of us. And Percy was always around "working" on Sundays. We'd talk SF Giants and basketball. He will be missed. Thoughts are with Jean, Stacy, Dana, Derreck and their families. He was a great guy.

norm & ada sui

July 7, 2015

to the Chu Family:

You all know that he is in a better place now.
so happy that he was able to see the WARRIOR WIN
We know that he will always be rooting for all of us.Thanks for being part of our lives.

Norm & Ada

Leland Wong

July 7, 2015

Percy...your the best! Always spoke from the heart. I will miss you but your spirit will be with me. Thank You!

July 7, 2015

Thank You Percy in all that you have done for others, may you RIP & my Deepest Condolences to Family.
Alan Fong

Larry Yee

July 7, 2015

My deepest condolences to Jean and the family. Thank you Percy for all you have done for me.
"What counts in life is... what difference Percy have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."
Your spirit will live on forever. Larry Yee

July 6, 2015

We loved you Uncle Percy for being a role model for us in our professional and personal lives.
Your kindness and caring will remain in our hearts forever.
Your Niece, Etta and family.

Andrew Jew

July 6, 2015

In 1962, the Jr. SF Chinese Team won the first SF CYO Basketball Championship. We would not have done it without your coaching and mentoring. I will always remember you as coach and friend. You will be missed.

Edward Chow

July 6, 2015

May God Bless You Percy, I Love You, Peace Be Still!

Eddie Chow

July 6, 2015

My heartfelt Love to Percy, Jean, Derek, Stacy, Dana and the grandchildren! It was Percy who first suggested to my father that I began playing basketball at Chinese Center. Percy has always been in the depth of my Loving Heart and forever will continue to be one of the biggest influences in my entire life! Percy gave to all of us what only he could have done, his whole hearted service and Love to include all of us who grew up at Chinese Center the best he had! My deepest GRATITUDE AND LOVE TO YOU PERCY! Eddie Chow

Richard Gin

July 6, 2015

Percy was the nicest man I ever met. I grew up across the street from Chinese Center and he was the director on Sundays. My mother also loved him and cooked him food when she had a chance. He encouraged me to play basketball even though I wasn't that good. It's still a sport I love to this day. I shall miss Percy, but, have nothing but fond memories. Without him there wouldn't have been a Chinese New Years basketball tourney or the SF Saints basketball team. Percy and Jean sacrificed alot for the kids at Chinese Center and I was elated when they named the basketball court in his honor. Rest in Peace, Percy.

Richard Ng

July 6, 2015

Thanks for being there for all of us in CC, Percy. You will be missed.

Donald Lee

July 6, 2015

Percy was always a presence at the Chinese Recreation Center (now Betty Ann Ong Center). While I was never coached by Percy, he was at the center frequently when I was coaching my St. Mary's CYO basketball teams. He would offer some advice or observations on my kids occasionally. He was just a good guys overall and will be missed.

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