Joe Chew

Joe You Chew was an adored grandpa, father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend when he left this earth on June 1, 2021 at the age of 99.5 years old. He was born on December 23, 1921 in Red Bluff, CA to Chew Siu Lim and Ng Shee (Canton, China) pioneers of the long lost historic Tehama County Chinatown. He married Helen Mable Yee in Carmel, CA and has lived in Red Bluff, CA almost his whole life with ten years in Sacramento, CA living with his daughter, Diane. Joe was preceded in death by wife, Helen Chew (1924), father, Chew Siu Lim (1868-1934), mother, Ng Shee (1881-1958), older brother, Dick Chew (1902-1971), older sister, Violet Dong (1917-2011), and older sister, Nettie Chew Ong (1919-2014).

Joe is survived by his only child Diane Casas of Sacramento, CA and only grandchild Jessica Casas of Los Angeles, CA. Joe’s long eventful life melted hearts and for his whole life people hollered “hey Joe” or cheered or clapped when he entered a room. Words cannot express what a wonderful person he was or the magnitude of how sweet, funny, kind, and gentle he is. He donated to over 17 organizations because his heart felt for them and he had a real soft spot for all animals.

When he was nine, he started working at his family’s restaurant, California Café. Joe attended Red Bluff Union High School and was on both the basketball and tennis teams. He would be the first in his family to be given a college education. He attended UC Berkeley as an engineering major. Shortly after his first year, Joe was drafted into 1908th Army Service Unit, in Camp Beale, CA where in July 2021 he would be awarded a Chinese American WWII Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to his country. Following WWII, Joe returned to college but transferred to CSU Chico because it was closer to Red Bluff where he helped with the Ming Terrace restaurant on the weekends. During Joe’s time at CSU Chico, he was on the Chico State Varsity Tennis team and was an exceptional teammate. He graduated CSU Chico with a Bachelors of Arts degree in accounting and obtained his CPA. Joe spent many of his remarkable years working at the Ming Terrace from 1949 until 1973 when he sold the restaurant and it became the Peking Restaurant. In 2008, Joe placed two bricks at the Cone & Kimball Plaza Clock tower in memory of the Chew Family restaurants. After selling Ming Terrace, Joe worked happily as an accountant for ALSCO, Inc. until his retirement. He and Helen enjoyed traveling and saw many parts of the world. After Helen passed away, Joe kept himself busy until the age of 99, where he owned and sold several commercial and residential buildings, managed rentals, and became a successful investor. Throughout Joe’s remarkable life, he had made many lifelong friends and in his final years, Joe was able to enjoy talking to everyone every day on his cell phone. He still went to the Senior Center a couple times per week, prepared his favorite bitter melon dish, paid bills and watched avidly the NBA, Tennis Channel and ESPN.

Above all, Joe loved his family, friends and community in Red Bluff. Joe was truly remarkable and is dearly beloved by his family and friends; he will be incredibly deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A visitation for friends and family will be offered at Harry A. Nauman & Son located at 4041 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822 from July 29-30th from 1 PM – 5 PM. Followed by a formal Chinese-American Funeral Service held on Saturday, July 31 at 9:30 AM in Joe’s hometown at Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers located at 816 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080 followed by a 11 AM procession, and a graveside service at 11:30 AM located at Oak Hill Cemetery, Cemetery Lane, Red Bluff, CA 96080. After the burial service, the family will conclude the Chinese rituals with a celebration meal in honor of Joe’s longevity and legacy at his beloved home.

Flowers may be sent to Harry A. Nauman & Son located at 4041 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822.