Henry (Hank) T. Wong

Known to family and friends, as Hank, he was one of seven children, the eldest son of Gong and Lee Shee Wong. He is survived by his sisters Violet Yip and Helen(Charles) Lum and preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, William Woo Woo and Jenny Wong, George and Florence Wong, Rose Wong, Harry and Mabel Wong and Leonard Yip.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lillie, his children Adrian, Elena(John) and the late Roxanna; grandchildren , Matthew, Jill(Kelly), Cori(Clint); step grandchildren Seth(Erin), Jennifer, Audrey(Chris); step great grandchildren, Kassandra, Emilie, Kiran, Zoe.

Hank was born in San Francisco in 1925 and grew up in San Francisco Chinatown, and was a devoted alumnus(Class of '39) and devoted parishioner of St. Mary's Chinese School and Mission, He was one of the founding members of the St. Mary's Boys Club, and served on the Foundation Board and Chinese Language School Board for many years.

Playing basketball was his passion. He was one of the original members, along with his brothers Willie (Woo-Woo) and George (Wee), of the San Francisco Chinese Saints Basketball Team, a local Chinatown team started by Father Forrester of St. Mary's in the 1940s. This team continued on to evolve into a team of national and international stature. After his retirement, he spent many years instructing basketball fundamental skills at St. Mary's School as part of the physical education curriculum.

He honored his country by serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Medical Corpsman assigned to the 3rd Medical Battalion of the Third Marine Division during the amphibious assault of Iwo Jima. He was honorably discharged, continued to serve in the Navy Reserves until he was called back to active duty during the Korean War and stationed at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland. He continued with his passion, playing on the Welfare and Recreation basketball team of the Naval Hospital, participating in intra-hospital basketball leagues.

In 1950, Hank married his sweetheart, Lillie and subsequently followed with the birth of his children, Adrian, Roxanna, who died shortly after birth and Elena. He raised his children in the St. Mary's Community, and worked hard to provide a Catholic education for them through their high school years. He worked several years for the State of California, in different job capacities and retired after 35 years from his last position at the Employment Development Department.

During his retirement, he enjoyed traveling, and welcomed his grandchildren, Matthew, Jill and Cori. He spent many years babysitting, taking them to school, chauffeuring to their sports practices and helping them with their homework. He was an avid fan of his grandchildren's sports activities. He attended most of their basketball and baseball games during their elementary and high school years, cheering and encouraging them and then giving them tips on how to improve their skills on the court or on the field. He continued to support them all through their college and post graduate years and was proud to see all of them reach their professional goals.

He continued to dedicate a lot of his time and energy supporting St. Mary's School and Mission. In 1989, Hank received the Father Charles Donovan Award for Outstanding Service, which is given to an individual who exemplifies a spirit of love, generosity and commitment to St. Mary's Chinese Mission by giving of his time and talents.

Hank loved his San Francisco Giants. He would always listen to the games on the radio or watch them on TV from his favorite spot on the couch. Even if the game ran too late into the night, he always knew the game results first thing in the morning.

Hank was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, godfather, friend and mentor. He will be deeply missed by all but will continue to live in our memories and in our hearts.

Viewing will be on Friday, June 12th at 7pm at Halsted N. Gray, 1123 Sutter St, San Francisco. Memorial Mass will on Saturday, June 13th at 11:45 am at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1559 39th Ave and Lawton St, San Francisco with interment following at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to: Chinese Hospital, Attn: Fund Development, 845 Jackson St, San Francisco 94133 or CPMC Foundation-Coming Home Hospice, P.O. Box 7999, San Francisco 94120-7999.