Obituary of Gerald D. Wong

Gerald D. Wong, 71, of 15 E. Third St., Lakewood, died unexpectedly Monday, October 31, 2011 in Pittsfield, PA. He was born June 20, 1940 in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, a son of the late Ah Tim Floyd Wong and Emily Torres Wong, and graduated from McKinley High School and Honolulu Community College. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1959 to 1962 as a jet mechanic in Tripoli, Libya. For 25 years, Gerry was employed by the Honolulu Fire Department, and retired as captain of Rescue One in 1989. After then moving to the Jamestown area, he coached girls' volleyball at Eisenhower High School and later boys' volleyball at Frewsburg Central School. More recently, Gerry had worked as a teacher's assistant at the BOCES Hewes Educational Center in Ashville. Ever committed to his students, he made countless meaningful relationships as friend and mentor. A member of the American Legion nationally, he also belonged to the Jamestown Moose. He loved the sport of volleyball and participated in the World Police and Fire Games in San Diego and again in 1989 in Vancouver, Canada bringing home two silver medals. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, diving and golfing. His passion for hunting was well known. A true gambling man, he enjoyed his many trips to Las Vegas and online poker games. Perhaps most notably, Gerry was a people person, always willing to lend a hand to neighbors and friends. Gerry is survived by his wife, Patty Wong with whom he recently celebrated 35 years together; five children: Daven Wong of Redmond, WA, Darren Wong of Kailua, HI, Stephanie Wong of Hilo, HI, Erin Mai-Lee Lindberg-Wong of Brooklyn, NY and Nicole Lindberg-Wong of Jamestown; four grandchildren: David Wong of Hilo, HI and Darren Wong, Jr., Ittai Wong and Sarah Nalani Wong, all of Kailua, HI. Also surviving are two sisters, Judy Wong of Kaneohe, HI and Beverly Engcabo of Kapolei, HI and a brother, Lorrin (Suzie) Wong of Honolulu, HI. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Lawrence and Ronald Wong. The funeral will be held at 6:00 p.m. Saturday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Rick LaDue will officiate. Friends will be received Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again, prior to the service from 4 to 6 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to a charity of choice.