Tom Tang was born in Phoenix, AZ to Teng Ching and Yee Shee Tang. As the youngest of six children, he quickly developed skills that would serve him well all his life. For example, he knew the importance of hard work, loyalty, keeping peace and having fun. He was also a true humanitarian. As a result, he accomplished much in his life, most notably enduring friendships and love from those around him.
As a child, Tom worked in his parents’ grocery store. He eventually grew up to help manage the store and other property for the family. Although there were many challenges along the way, his sense of dedication and commitment were intensely strong. However, he was not the “all work and no play” type of guy! In high school, Tom was a cheerleader and very active and popular. Luckily for his alma mater, Phoenix Union High, Tom served on the reunion committees through the years, celebrating his 50-year reunion just a few years ago.
Among the positions he held were teacher, real estate broker and banker. In 2013, Tom retired from the Arizona State Department of Economic and Social Services after 23 years.
Possessing a good sense of humor and varied interests, Tom had many hobbies. Along with several lifelong friends, Tom had poker nights with the guys and even played weekly basketball games with them until last year. He enjoyed Line Dancing and other activities where he continued to make lasting friendships. Though Tom liked to travel, he also cherished the familiarity and tranquility of his own surroundings. His preferred way to relax was sitting in his lounge chair, rooting for his beloved sports teams while eating his favorite snacks and foods such as Chinese and Mexican items. He faithfully kept in touch with family members and friends over the years, especially via email to those who lived far away.
For the majority of his life, he was the dedicated son, brother, uncle, friend and worker. He enjoyed giving of himself if it made someone else’s life better. And he always hoped that those whom he helped would someday be able to pay it forward. He definitely wanted to make the world a better place and was proud to do whatever he could to make that happen. As an uncle, he once took his local niece and nephews to see Herbie the Love Bug and for some, it was the first time they went to a movie theater. One special summer, Tom and his brother Bob, collected all the nieces and nephews and camped out at Tom’s house for a few days. They saw Star Wars and had dinner at Pinnacle Peak Patio. Being a western themed, outdoor environment, the kids were shocked and delighted that if you ordered a well-done steak, you would be served a boot! The fun continued as the waitress ceremoniously cut off Tom’s tie in front of everyone and pinned it to the bulletin board because ties were a “no-no”. He played along, giving everyone a memory of a lifetime.
During the last eight years of his life, Tom took on two new roles: husband and stepfather to four. Along with wife Josie, he embarked on a new business venture with Tang Assisted Living. He also enjoyed playing “Mr. Mom” to Jan, Sigrid, Jorgia and Georgette and was proud of their many accomplishments as new citizens in Arizona.
In addition to his family named above, he is survived by his sister, Helen Gee (Richard), brothers Robert (Margie) and Davis Tang and sister-in laws Helen and Lynne Tang along with 13 nieces/nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Howard and William.
To honor the memory of this much beloved man, a celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 9:30 am on June 20th, 2015 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 2121 S. Rural Rd. Tempe, AZ 85282.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6