Frank Sherk Wong's Obituary
Frank Sherk Wong peacefully passed away on February 10, 2018 with his family by his side.
Frank was born on June 28, 1936 in Canton, China. A childhood friend described a young Frank as a very intelligent, handsome, athletic, and sharp dressed man. He was also very into health and fitness.
In 1951, Frank arrived in the United States from Hong Kong to join his father. When he arrived in San Francisco through the Angel Island Immigration Center, he was almost denied entry. At age 15, Frank stood at 5 foot 10 inches and was well built, but his father was considerably smaller. The immigration officer initially did not believe they were related but fortunately allowed him to enter into the country. From there they made their way to their new home in San Antonio, TX.
Each day after school Frank would work in the family grocery store. He had many friends and enjoyed playing basketball, hanging out and having cookouts where he mastered his barbeque skills. In 1955, Frank’s mother and younger brother, David, joined them in San Antonio from Hong Kong. Frank’s youngest brother Jessie was born soon after in 1956. In 1957, Frank’s father died unexpectedly. They relocated to Tucson, AZ to be closer to an aunt, who also had a grocery store where Frank would eventually work. Frank found work in various grocery stores and later would have a long career as a meat cutter.
In 1960, Frank returned to Hong Kong to marry his wife, Frances, and they began a new life together in Tucson where they raised their children Vivian, Annette and Warren. They also helped care for their grandchildren in their later years.
In his free time, Frank enjoyed watching sports, particularly University of Arizona sports; listening to jazz music; cooking, bowling, playing Mah Jong; reading the newspaper and he loved politics. He had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening, bonsai and his koi pond.
Frank is survived by his wife of 57 years, Frances; daughters Vivian Gee (Kinlen) and Annette Wong; son, Warren Wong (Cindi); and grandchildren, Melinda Gee, Andy Gee, Casey Wong, Kylie Wong, and Kaden Wong; brothers, David Wong (Doris) and Jessie Wong; nieces and nephews, Emily Wong, Sam Wong, Elizabeth Wong, Cameron Wong and Garrison Wong.
Frank will be greatly missed by his family, the Chinese community of Tucson, and everyone who called him friend.
A public memorial service will be held on Saturday,February 24th at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Tucson Chinese Cultural Center; or your charity of choice.
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