Donald T. Chin's Obituary
Donald T. Chin was born on December 12, 1934, in Riverside, California. When he was still a baby, his family moved to Oakland, where he lived the rest of his life. He attended Lincoln School, Westlake Jr. High School, and Oakland Technical High School, graduating in 1953. Following his graduation, he entered the apprentice program offered at the Naval Air Station in Alameda. Upon completion of the program, Don gave the Navy 35 years of skill and expertise as an aeronautical engineer.
Don and Joyce enjoyed 69 years of marriage. Through this marriage, they were blessed with three children: Douglas, Julie, and Darryl. Don enjoyed his retirement years with Joyce, traveling and enjoying Mah Jong games with friends, dining out, although he had to forgo onions and garlic due to allergies, and many happy events celebrating with family and friends. He leaves behind his wife Joyce, daughter Julie, son-in-law Alan, son Darryl, and grandson Andrew, along with brothers Robert and Edward and their families, and many nieces and nephews, other family members, and many treasured friends. He died on November 4, 2025, after being in ill health for over three years. Joyce, Julie, and Darryl were holding his hands as he peacefully took his last breaths. His caring kindness and entertaining jokes will be missed by all those blessed to have known him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 13, 2025, at 1 p.m., at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611. For those who are unable to attend, we are working on having a live stream available.
Dinner will be at 4 p.m., at East Ocean Seafood Restaurant, 1713 Webster Street, Alameda, CA 94501. In order to help accommodate the restaurant, please RSVP to [email protected] by December 6, 2025. Please indicate any dietary restrictions.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Don’s memory by blessing the Fountain Project with a donation. https://www.fountainproject.org/get-involved
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?

