Richard (Goon Hu) Tong

Richard (Goon Hu) Tong, 92, passed away peacefully at his home while surrounded by members of his family on Saturday, July 16, 2016 after a protracted battle with leukemia.

Richard was born on January 26, 1924 in San Francisco, California to Ack Yow Tong and Bo San Leong.

Gooney, as he was known to his friends, attended Galileo High School, where he was an All-city basketball player. His basketball exploits earned him induction into the inaugural class of Galileo’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1975.

After graduating from high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, where he served from October,1942 to October, 1945. While in the military, he became one of the first Chinese American fighter pilots in USAAC history.

After his military service, Richard graduated from Golden Gate University, became a Certified Public Accountant and opened his own firm, Tong & Fong Accountants and Auditors.

In 1950, Richard married Bernice Look, with whom he had two sons. After Bernice’s untimely passing in 1955, Richard married Vivian Wong on August 4, 1956. Together, they had a son and a daughter.

In 1959, Richard moved his family to Mill Valley, where they lived until 1978, when they moved to San Rafael. Richard and Vivian enjoyed traveling together, dining out and golf.

During both his personal and professional life, Richard was known to exceptionally generous, kind, and helpful. His clients regarded him as intelligent and professional. He was also a great raconteur with a tremendous sense of humor. These attributes lead to many lifelong friendships and enabled his firm to become highly successful and very well known throughout the community.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Vivian; his children; Alan, Robert, April and Richard, and Grandchildren; Robbie, Arianna, Haley and Kristin. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 11:00 am at Halsted N Gray – Carew & English, 1123 Sutter St in San Francisco. Burial will follow at Olivet Memorial Park, 1601 Hillside Blvd, Colma, CA

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