Andrew Stanley Leong
September 22, 1922 - November 24, 2017
Our beloved father, Andrew S. Leong passed away peacefully at home on November 24, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 22, 1922, in San Francisco where he lived his entire life.
Andrew lived a full and productive life, surrounded by his family and his lifelong friends. He was an insurance broker and owner of Lee, Wong, and Leong which served not only San Francisco Chinatown but also the greater Bay Area. He was an active member of many organizations, including the Chinatown YMCA, the Hung On Tong Family Association, the Chinese Sportsmen’s Club, and the WW II National Museum. However his favorite and most prestigious association was with the Wednesday Lunch Bunch, a group of friends who had known each other for over 80 years. For the past 30 years, they met every Wednesday in Chinatown for lunch.
Andrew was a retired Lt Col in the US Air Force and served in two wars; WW II as a bombardier on the Marauder B26 planes, and the Korean War. He received several ribbons and medals for his service, one of which was last bestowed upon him on November 11, 2011, at 11 AM at the French consulate in San Francisco by the French government for having helped liberate France from the Axis Alliance during WW II. The French government awarded him the French Legion of Honor medal thereby honoring him with the title of Chevalier.
He loved fishing, traveling, dancing, music, food, and most of all his family and friends. His zest for life was admired by everyone. He loved a good argument but never stayed angry.
He is predeceased by his parents Chow King Leong and Lau Yung, his six older siblings who affectionately referred to themselves as the “Lucky 7,” and his beloved wife of 58 years, Marion Quan Leong. He leaves behind his daughters Michele Chin (John), Denise Shutt (Roland). and Jennifer Addiego (Joe), his grandchildren of whom he was so proud, Brett Andrew Chin, Ariel Morgan Chin Orthmann (Alan), Robyn Leigh Shutt, Andrew Leigh Shutt, Christopher Andrew Addiego, and Katarina Gabriella Addiego, and many nieces and nephews.
He will be missed by so many people all of whom he touched with his kindness, generosity, and wisdom.
We would like to acknowledge and thank his caregiver, Kato Cocker, for her loving and gentle care of our father these last few years. We will be forever grateful to her.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2017 at the Chinatown YMCA at 2 pm, 855 Sacramento St., SF.
Donations in his memory may be made to “The Endowment in memory of Chow King Leong” at Chinatown YMCA, 855 Sacramento St., SF, CA 94108.