Richard J. Wong's Obituary
Richard June Mock Wong, 95, of El Cerrito, passed away peacefully at home on July 9, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born September 21, 1927, in Toy Sun, China, the son of Ngon and Gan Hi Mah Wong. His immigration journey with his mother consisted of 22 days on a ship from Hong Kong to San Pedro, CA in 1940. They were reunited with his father who had been working on the East Coast, and eventually settled in Emeryville, CA.
He graduated from Emery High School where he discovered an interest and talent in photography. He made many friends at school, especially from the athletic teams since he was the sports photographer for the annual year book. He worked beside his father in the family laundry business to help support his mother and 6 younger siblings.
In 1950, Richard was drafted to serve in the Korean War until 1952. Because of his language skills in Chinese and English, he was chosen to train as an interpreter. He received the rank of Corporal and served with the Intelligence Unit in the Army. He trained at the Far East Command Intelligence School in Japan near where General MacArthur was stationed. Even though he was far from home, he thought of his family and would send part of his salary to them. At the end of his 2 years in the Army, Richard was offered a promotion to Sergeant if he chose to reenlist, but he was needed at home to help with the family business, so he was honorably discharged.
Upon returning home from Japan, Richard continued helping his parents with their laundry business. He met Julia Chung in Los Angeles after his discharge. When she visited the Bay Area later the same year to see the Miss Chinatown Pageant, they reconnected. During this visit, Richard proposed to Julia during a picnic at Lake Temescal. They were married on October 25, 1953. They bought a home in Berkeley where their three children, Richard, Diane & Don, were born. As the family grew, a bigger home was needed and they moved to their permanent residence in El Cerrito.
Richard was a very hard worker. He was the owner of a coin-operated laundry in San Leandro for 20 years and worked 6 days a week. But despite all his long work hours, Richard always made time for his immediate and large extended family. He continued to provide loving care to his parents as they aged and spent time with his sister and 5 brothers enjoying family meals and sharing memories with much laughter.
Richard enjoyed many activities including family picnics, playing tennis, bowling and many summer trips to Los Angeles to visit Julia’s family and Disneyland. Richard and Julia were members of a poker group where they passed many a pleasant evening with their friends. Richard and Julia also were in bowling leagues where he was quite an accomplished bowler earning the nickname “Mr. Dependable” by his league teammates because of his consistency.
He also played mahjong and shared his skills with his children and grandchildren. After retirement, he was active at the local senior center, providing friends with guidance regarding poker strategies and mahjong rules. He and Julia enjoyed travels to China, Hawaii, and Lake Tahoe but he was most content to be home and spend time with family.
Richard was very proud of all of his children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter. He was very proud that all three of his children were Cal Bear graduates and he was a Cal sports fan in addition to supporting the SF Giants, Warriors, and the 49ers. He was interested in the events of his children and grandchildren’s lives and would remember every detail, so he could follow up the next time he saw them. He always said that he had the memory of an elephant, and it was really true. It made them all feel so important and loved. His photography skills came in handy as he took pictures of soccer, softball and basketball games, gymnastic and singing performances, birthdays, graduations, and weddings.
Richard had such an interesting life starting from a small village in China to the high hills of El Cerrito. He enjoyed sharing stories of his experiences with family and friends and he had a wonderful sense of humor. Richard’s positive demeanor and generous spirit was evident in all of his interactions with family, friends, and acquaintances. Richard will be greatly missed by everyone but we know that we will see him in Heaven.
Richard is survived by his wife, Julia; children, Richard (Virginia), Diane (Mike) and Don (Jeanne); grandchildren, Amy (Andrew), Stephen (Krista), Julie, Jordan, Kirsten, Lindsey; and great granddaughter Lucy; siblings, Mary (Tim), Ray (Jennifer), Dan (Vicky), David (Josie), Tommy (Catherine) and Jerry (Andrea); and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Richard’s Life will be held on September 16, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Bay Hills Community Church, 4555 Hilltop Drive, El Sobrante, CA 94803.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to your favorite charity may be made in memory of Richard June Mock Wong.
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