Shi Pei Kuo

Shi Pei Kuo, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 in Norfolk, Virginia at age 92. He is survived by his children: Janet O’Mara, Vivian Chiu, Holly Chui, Pamela Chow, Jarvis Kuo, their spouses, and his seven grandchildren.

Shi Pei (also known as “Gong Gong” to his grandchildren) was born in Chongming, Shanghai on January 9, 1931. Throughout his life, he was not shy to personal challenges. From losing his father at eight months old to needing to financially support his family at an early age, he learned to develop a hustle spirit. At the early age of 15, he had already moved to Shanghai to learn to make beds, and he continued to find other opportunities. At 19, he moved to Hong Kong to make beds and colorful pots and pans, and at 21, he left for Africa to continue this trade. And it didn’t stop there; after building a family in Hong Kong, he moved to the United States and worked tirelessly for 10 years to bring his family overseas to the “American Dream.” From there, it came true and the rest is history and his legacy remains through the spirit of his children and grandchildren.

In his personal time, he was an excellent cook and was once famous among his grandkids for his “Gong gong mein mein” (stir-fried noodles with sauteed shrimp that he made at a kitchen in Waterside). The taste of his fried pork chops and Chongming Huasheng (fried Chongming-style peanuts) is forever seared into memory. He also loved to “Yao Wu” (play a Chinese card game) and even in his 90s, he maintained a sharp mind to consistently overtake his grandchildren. He loved to take himself to the neighborhood McDonald’s for coffee and hotcakes. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and hosting them for large dinner parties. He will be missed very much by his family, friends and all who knew him.

A funeral service will be conducted at 10:30am, Monday, August 21, 2023 at Woodlawn Funeral Home and will be officiated by Pastor Bon Wong and supported by Wanz Chan. A visitation will begin an hour prior at 9:30am to greet the family. Burial will immediately follow the services at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.