Jen Toy "Tom" Wong

Jen Toy “Tom” Wong, 90, of Chicago, IL, passed away on September 11, 2024. He was born in Naa Fuk Village (那伏村), in the Xinhui District of Jiangmen City (新会区江门市), Guangdong Province, China (广东，中国), on February 28, 1934, to Ah Jick Wong and Yet Gan Lum. Tom immigrated to the U.S. in 1955, became a naturalized citizen in 1959, and remained a devoted U.S. citizen and active member of the Chicago community throughout his life.

Tom had a deep love for his family and a passion for travel. He was the glue that kept everyone connected, always going out of his way to maintain relationships with and support family and friends. Alongside his beloved wife, Janice, he made countless memorable trips (sometimes with one or all the grandchildren tagging along) to places such as Winnipeg, Indiana, California, Wisconsin, and back to China, never passing up an opportunity for a new adventure. When traveling, he often reminded you, “We need to visit these family or friends.”

In his downtime, Tom enjoyed being with his family, especially his boys. He loved fishing—whether it was on lakes, ponds, or oceans, if there was water, he was likely casting a line. Some of the best memories with Tom were from outings on Lake Michigan, the Chain of Lakes, and extended fishing trips to Wisconsin and Canada.

Tom’s life revolved around gathering his community and ensuring that the people he cared about were always safe and well-fed. His love for food led him to own and operate a Chinese restaurant in the 1960s and later work at high-end establishments like The 95th in the John Hancock building. His friends and family were constantly surrounded by good food, good wine, and even better company. He was also involved in the Chicago Chinese community, helping to foster connections and support among families and friends throughout his life. He enjoyed sports as well, having played soccer with his work team in the early 1970s, and was a dedicated fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears, always eager to know, “When do the Bears play?!”

Tom is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 66 years, Janice (née Koe) Wong; his cherished sons, Tim (Lela) Wong, and Terry (Betty) Wong; his adored grandchildren, Tina Lee (Matthew Thomas) Wong, Tyler Ko (Allierose Hussain-Wong) Wong, Samantha Ko (Jacob Hoffman) Wong, and Zachary Ko Wong; his beloved brother, Don Wong; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Mona Coles and LiLing Graham.

A visitation and funeral service will be held on Friday, September 20 from 9 am - 11 am with the funeral service to begin at 11 am, both at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 North Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery.

Fond memories of Tom may be expressed at www.drakeandsonfuneralhome.com