Perry V.Z. Wong

Wong, Perry Wai Yee 94, passed away, peacefully, on July 24, 2024. Perry was predeceased by his wife Joan of 59 years in 2018. Born February 27, 1930 in Guangdong China to the late Goe Shing Wong and Lem Ding from Hoiping (China). He was the generous and loving father of Bella, Gari and Jason, and their spouses Steven, Rosalind, and Leslie. His grandchildren, Jacob, Logan, Daniel, Allison, Jocelyn and Benjamin provided him special joy. He was very proud of all of his siblings and is survived by his sister Jennifer Dow and brother Douglas Wong. He took great pleasure in the blessings of an abundance of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grandnephews that live across the United States and Canada. He loved all of his family dearly.

Perry attended grammar school in both China and the United States. He excelled in his studies and was an accomplished sprinter at Boston Technical High School. He appreciated the discipline of and practiced the principles of martial arts throughout his life. Upon graduation he was drafted into the US Army and served with distinction in the Korean War. He truly cherished the friendships he made during this time. He was an active member of the VFW and the American Legion throughout his life and advocated to support those in need.

As a beneficiary of the GI Bill Perry became the first of his siblings to attend college at Northeastern University. Business was his primary focus of study. He also had a particular passion and talent for languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish supported by a strong interest in a diverse range of philosophical teachings. In 1957 Perry met Joan when she moved from Orillia, Canada to live in Boston. They married on January 17 and opened their restaurant: Young and Yee on August 1 of 1960 in Harvard Square, Cambridge. Together, they managed all aspects of the restaurant serving thousands upon thousands of diners, many of whom became lifelong friends. Perry and Joan finally chose to retire in March 2001.

They happily took advantage of their retirement to study dance and mandarin. They traveled across the world with a cadre of close friends they met through dance and the social networks in Boston Chinatown including most weekends at the Wong Family Association. In their own time they supported families in need by offering guidance to services, translation, clothing and supplies. There was not a day that passed that Perry did not miss Joan after she passed in 2018. His enduring devotion to her, family and friends was endearing and inspirational.

The family extends its appreciation to the many people who dedicate their lives to serve as care providers for senior citizens. They supported Perry’s health, daily living and social interests to the best of their capabilities in ways we could not. They did so with extraordinary compassion, tenderness, and most importantly, respect. He was charmed by all of you. We are eternally grateful.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, August 2 from 3 to 7 pm at J.S. Waterman Langone Chapel, 580 Commercial St, Boston, MA 02109. Complimentary valet parking attendants at front door. Funeral from funeral home on August 3 from 9 -11 am before leaving in procession for burial at Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston.