Joseph Him (Joe) Ng

After years of conquering various health issues, he was swept up in the global pandemic.

Joe was born on December 1935 in Canton, China to Frances S Yee and Stanley Ho Ng. He grew up during World War II, working odd jobs to support himself and his family. At 7 years old, he was selling bao his mom made and lugging bath water for the soldiers. Later his bright mind came to the attention of the government where he became a page to run correspondence between officials.

At age 13, he came to America and graduated from Bishop John Carroll High school and Catholic University in Washington, D.C. while learning a new language and working after school at his parents’ restaurant until midnight each day.

Under truly romantic circumstances in 1957, he married the love of his life, Teresa Yu. He was so proud of his beautiful wife. They lived together almost inseparable for 62 years. The early times were difficult financially; Joe suffered a major stroke at the young age of 28 which he fought to overcome the rest of his life. He and Teresa made many tough choices in those days to provide security for their three children, who always came first for them. “Take care of your mom” later became his mantra.

Joe worked as a physicist for the Federal government and retired from the National Bureau of Standards.

What did Joe like to do? He loved good food, music and romantic movies. He frequently listened to his favorite songs “As Time Goes By” and “Moon River”. Every year it was possible, he took our family to see the Tidal Basin cherry trees in bloom and to Skyline drive. He also greatly enjoyed watching football, having a special place in his heart for the New England Patriots. He was quite a dancer in his youth. All his life he tracked the stock market and ferociously saved.

The biggest passion in his life was his family.

He was a proud “Grandpa” or “Papa Joe” to six grandchildren. He loved their visits, especially at his post-Christmas Birthday celebrations. Joe had a beautiful smile. It beamed whenever he saw his family. He could not get enough of seeing the kids pictures and hearing about their lives.

We will forever remember Joseph as a strong, proud and good man. He had a brilliant mind, unrelenting determination, and highly valued independence.

Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort that he is in heaven watching over us, free from the restrictions imposed by his physical disability.

Joseph Ng is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Pik Shan Ng; children, Frances Singer (Alan), Catherine Crowley (Peter), and Thomas Ng (Esther); 6 Grandchildren, Samuel Joseph Singer, Stephanie Crowley, Jaime Crowley, Eric Crowley, Benjamin Ng and Amy Ng; brother, John Ng (Rita) and their sons Brian Ng and David Ng.

He was predeceased by his parents, Frances S Yee and Stanley Ho Ng.

A private interment service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at Gate of Heaven cemetery, where Joe will be laid to rest under a blooming cherry tree.

Due to the pandemic, a formal memorial service will follow at a later date in 2020.

His granddaughter, Stephanie Crowley has created a slideshow called: Celebration of Life for Grandpa