Nelson Wong

July 21, 1930 – February 5, 2021

Nelson Wong, 90 years old, peacefully passed in his sleep on February 5th, 2021. Born in the Taishan region of Guangdong, China, he immigrated to San Francisco at the age of 14. Nelson served in the US Army during the Korean War with the 160th Infantry Regiment. In 1957, he traveled to Hong Kong and met the love of his life, Shau Ying Ma. They soon married and together raised five daughters. To provide for his family, Nelson worked long hours for many years in the food industry. His career spanned almost 50 years with jobs in waitering, labor relations, and restaurant management. He retired at age 71 from his position as Senior Supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services at SF General. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Nelson always made time for family and was an incredible positive force and influence. He always said, “I may not have accumulated much in material wealth, but I am the richest and luckiest man in the world.”

Nelson is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shau Ying; five daughters Carol (James) Mao, Sandra (Steve Deng) Wong, Mary (David Lau) Chang, Judy (Gary) Wong, Christine (Gary) Lai; 13 grandchildren Trisha (Peter), Teresa (Thomas), Trina, Alex, Tyler, Jonathan, Sarah, Elizabeth, Victoria, Katherine, Margaret, Patricia, and Benjamin.

A private service with the immediate family will be held at Cypress Lawn. The family extends their thanks to those who would have liked to pay their final respects. Nelson would have wanted everyone to remain safe and healthy during the pandemic. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory. Some of his favorites were the American Lung Association, Easter Seals, and Disabled American Veterans.