To-Wah Wong

To Wah Wong, also known as Tony Wong, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024, at Norman Regional Hospital in Norman, Oklahoma. Born on March 31, 1939, in the vibrant city of Shanghai, China, Tony lived a life full of adventure, hard work, and love for his family.

Tony was born in Shanghai to Ming Tang Wong and Jang Xiuxiang, and grew up surrounded by his siblings: Xian Xue Wong, Ling Wong, Chien Wong, T-C Wong, T-M Wong, and Siu-Moon Wong, fondly known as Aunt Vivian. His brother, T-K Wong and sister Vivian, survive him.

After graduating from high school in 1959, Tony pursued his college education in Harbin, Northern China. In 1962, he made the life-changing decision to move to Hong Kong, where he would begin the next chapter of his life. In 1978, Tony met Anna Zia, and together they embarked on a new journey when they moved to the United States in October 1980. Shortly after, they welcomed their first son, Hansom Wong, in November 1980, followed by their second son, Elsom Wong, born in May 1990 in San Diego, California.

Tony’s professional life was defined by his entrepreneurial spirit. In 1982, the Wong family settled in California, where Tony became the proud owner and sole cook of Wong’s Garden, a beloved restaurant in San Marcos. In 1995, he moved his family to Elk City, Oklahoma, where he and Anna opened Shanghai Palace, and by 1999, they relocated to Fanning Springs, Florida, where Tony and Anna purchased and operated the Crystal Inn Motel. Tony continued his work until 2018, when he sold the motel and retired to Norman, Oklahoma, in 2019 to spend more time with his family.

Throughout his life, Tony was deeply connected to his family and friends. Despite the distances, he remained close with his sister Vivian’s family and niece Margaret and her family, always staying in touch and supporting them. He was known for his generosity, often bringing gifts such as toys to Margaret from the factory where he worked in the late 1960s.

Tony was passionate about many things, including baseball, mahjong, photography, and traditional Chinese music. He was an accomplished Erhu player and loved to sing and enjoy Shanghainese opera. His love for life extended to his travels, and he shared many special moments with his family, including trips to Disney World in 2015 and 2018 and a memorable journey to Taiwan in 2019 and again in 2023.

Tony will be remembered for his unwavering sense of humor, his dedication to his family, and his tireless work ethic. He was a loving husband, father, and brother who always made time for his family, whether it was playing ball with Hansom in the back of Wong’s Garden or enjoying Dim Sum and sports with his sons after moving to Norman. His light-hearted jokes and ability to connect with others made a lasting impact on people who knew him.

Tony leaves behind his wife, Anna Wong; his sons, Hansom Wong and Elsom Wong; his brother, T-K Wong and sister Siu-Moon; and many other family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.