Antonio Shee Tong

As a young man, Antonio worked as a manager in shipping and cargo to support his mom and 3 brothers when his dad immigrated to Cuba. In 1948, he married Cheung Yin and started their family a year later in Macau. They had four sons, Frank, William, Hardy and Nelson. One of the hardest decisions he had to make was to leave his young family behind and move to Venezuela to earn a better living to support his family.

While in South America he worked in the restaurant industry and learned all aspects of the business. After being away from his family for 13 years, he was reunited with his wife and 4 sons in Venezuela. They lived there for four years before they began to make plans to immigrate to the United States to fulfill the American Dream. In 1972 the family immigrated to Houston, Texas where his daughter, Sonya, was born. That same year, the family moved to Galveston and opened the first Chinese restaurant on the island, Tong’s Happy Buddha. The business flourished and relocated twice as it outgrew its space before settling at its current location on 61st Street. Antonio owned and operated the Happy Buddha restaurant for 44 years until he retired and passed the business onto his sons.

Antonio had a big personality and commanding presence—rarely would you see him without his suit and tie. He was always cleanly shaven, hair combed neatly and dressed in style. He greeted friends and family with a big smile and wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone in need. At gatherings he would be the storyteller; drawing in everyone as they listened. At parties he would be the one taking photos and posing for some photos as well. He loved to capture videos of families interacting with one another. As an immigrant to the United States, he never forgot his roots. He helped many family and friends in China come to the land of opportunity by sponsoring them. Antonio came from humble beginnings, but the choices and sacrifices he made allowed him to provide his family and friends with a better life.

In Antonio’s spare time he enjoyed good food, caring for his koi fish pond, photography/videography, going on cruises, taking his boat out and fishing in the bay, traveling with his wife and family and hosting large gatherings at his home and restaurant. Antonio and Cheung Yin loved being surrounded by friends and family; they were married for 58 years and left behind a beautiful legacy.

He is preceded in death by his wife Cheung Yin Tong, his father Sing Chee Tong, his mother Shui Hing Li, older brother Kam Yee Tong and younger brother Kai Ming Tong.

Antonio is survived by his four sons Frank (Rosemary) Tong, William (Lisa) Tong, Hardy (Deborah) Tong, Nelson (Candy) Tong; two daughters Sonya (Brad) Tong Power, and Amy Tong; his younger brother Tony (Violet) Tong, and sister-in-law Wai-Man Lam Tung. Also surviving are his 11 grandchildren; Elaine, Brandon, Adam, Anthony, Stacey, Stephanie, Denise, Dominic, Ella, Livia, and Matthew; and 14 great-grandchildren Chloe, Makenzie, Jackson, Mia, Gracie, Aiden, Andrew, Lauren, Mikey, Madison, Fisher, Willie, Alexis, and Josh.

Visitation for Antonio will be held Friday, December 17, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Forest Park East Funeral Home. A funeral service will be on Saturday at 2:00 PM. at Forest Park East Funeral Home with a committal service to follow in Forest Park East Cemetery.