Ronald Wong Yang

Ron was born May 9, 1937, to Wong and Mary Yang in San Francisco. He was raised in Oakland, California and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University.

Ron spent his career as a dedicated elementary school teacher in the San Jose Unified District. He taught at Valley View and Greystone Elementary Schools, ultimately retiring after 39 years. He was passionate about education and influencing young aspiring minds.

In 1964, Ron married the love of his life, Lilly Teng, in San Francisco and the couple had two children, Scott and Christine. Tragically, Lilly passed away on June 1, 1975. Ron threw himself into raising his children, and later, after he retired, spending time with his grandchildren. Ron is survived by his son, Scott, and wife, Denise, who have two children, Tyler and Katelyn. His daughter, Christine (Panella), and husband, Ralph, have three children, Dante, Marisa, and Dominic. Ron adored his grandchildren and was very proud of them.

In his younger years, Ron was an avid tennis player and he enjoyed playing craps at Lake Tahoe casinos. More recently, he was a regular attendee at the Camden Community Center’s senior lunches and classes. But Ron’s true love was dancing every Monday night at Dance Boulevard San Jose. He enjoyed west coast swing dancing and he grew to think of his dance friends as his second family.

Ron was an extraordinary man who gave so much of himself to his students, family and friends. He made a profound impact on those around him and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 19 from 4-8 p.m. at Oak Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park in San Jose. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, August 20 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of Faith in San Jose. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ron Yang's name to the American Diabetes Association

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oakhillfuneral.com for the Yang family.