Harry Len Fong Ching

On Friday, December 24, 2021, Harry Len Fong Ching, a loving husband, and devoted father of six children, 12 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, passed away at 90 years of age. Harry was born on November 5, 1931 in Honolulu, Hawai’i to Harry Kon Fook and Elizabeth Naholowa’a Ching. He grew up in Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawai’i and went to Waipahu High School where he served as Class President all four years. He earned his college degree from the University of Hawai'i, where he met the love of his life, Sylvia Hualani McGuire. On November 30, 1953, Harry and Sylvia were married at Kaunakakai, Moloka’i, Hawai’i. When Harry was 10 years old, he watched the bombing of Pearl Harbor from his home at Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawai’i. It was an experience that shaped his life and his commitment to serving others. He joined ROTC at the University of Hawai’i and was commissioned as an Army Infantry 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation. Harry had a distinguished career spanning 30 years – deploying to Vietnam several times, and serving in the 1st Special Force Group, 5th Special Forces Group, 82nd Airborne Division, Army General Staff, and Office of the Secretary of Defense. His awards and badges include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab. After he completed his military service, he continued his career and worked for several companies, including Lockheed Martin and Harris Corporation. Harry was also an active member in his community and the lives of his children. He coached swimming at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, served as President of the Rolling Valley Swim Club at Springfield, Virginia, and supported various activities at the Messiah United Methodist Church. Harry is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Kon Fook and Elizabeth Naholowa’a Ching; his sisters, Cynthia Chee and Elena Ching; and his beloved dog, Samantha. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Sylvia Hualani McGuire Ching; his six children and their spouses, Earline and George Schmid, Liz Ching and Kevin Dowling, Diane and Laurence DeFranco, Harry and Karen Ching, Kevin Ching, and Denise Zachar and Russell Jones; his 12 grandchildren, Julia Schmid, Joshua Schmid, Tierney Rael, Aidan Dowling, Seanan Dowling, Keoni DeFranco, Lehuanani DeFranco, Leilani Ching, Kealoha Ching, Makana Ching, David Ching, and Jonny Ching; his nine great-grandchildren, Kaiven Rael, Ikaika Rael, Amara Rael, Kekoaikaika Dowling, Auli’i Dowling, Josiah Ching, Nicodemus Ching, Andrew Ching, and Gideon Ching; and his sister, Lorraine Mau. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Monday, January 10 at 1:00 pm at the Messiah United Methodist Church with Pastor Reggie Tuck officiating. If you are interested in attending the Memorial Service virtually, it will be viewable at the following URL: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://messiahumc.org/celebration-of-life2/__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!YI1v7KbC5Q3Ur9L1yjqPHK98p-Ymn6a7rgkoIKu0-31IphDeUvrs9lc3nbyO1QsMHOdXSOsa$. The burial is being planned for Arlington Cemetery. The date will be announced when confirmed. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund or your local fire department. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.demainefunerals.com for the Ching family.