Paul Chen

Paul was born in Hong Kong on August 27, 1950 at St Paul’s Hospital in Causeway Bay – the hospital that would be the inspiration for his name. Paul was the elder of two children born to Vicky Chang and Fu-yu Chen. He finished his schooling in Hong Kong at Queen’s College in Tin Hau in 1968. In 1969 at the age of 19, he came to the US, following his cousin Greg, and attended the Illinois Institute of Technology, graduating with a film degree in 1972. He worked in advertising for many decades, both as a copywriter and later as both a director and film editor.

In his well-spent leisure hours, Paul was an avid fan of cinema, bicycle and car racing, playing bass guitar and tennis, and exploring Chicago’s food scene with great enthusiasm. His charitable work included hours of volunteer work for the Pilot Light Foundation. When his maternal aunt and uncle, Vivian and Robert Sun moved here from Hong Kong in the mid 1980’s, Paul made sure that the couple felt welcome and at home in their new city.

“He was very good at bringing people together” noted long-time friend and tennis partner Ronald DeVlam. “Large get-togethers at hole-in-the-wall cafes; annual Chinese New Year celebrations; tennis matches; playing in a band – Paul was someone who enjoyed the company of others.”

Paul was able to spend much of the end of his life in the comfort of home, supported by caring and generous friends and loved ones. He is survived by his son Aaron, his sister Irene (still a resident of Hong Kong), and former partner, Laura.

A pandemic-compliant memorial reception will be held for Paul on Monday, November 16, from 3 PM to 8 PM, at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial gift be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation at www.cure.pcf.org