Peter Pitai Chiang (江丕泰), of Orange, California, passed away at the age of 92 on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Peter was born in Shanghai, China and grew up in Taiwan from the age of 11. He attended the R.O.C. Naval Academy where he obtained his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. He then conducted his Naval training in Hawaii, and upon his return to Taiwan, met the love of his life, Julie, at a ball where he swept her off her feet. The two were fated to be together—despite numerous men trying to introduce themselves to Julie at work, and numerous women pursuing Peter, the two only had eyes for each other. From the very beginning, Peter was committed to showing Julie how much he cared for her. He spent every Friday evening having dinner with Julie and her parents and siblings. He would walk miles from his home to the bus stop where Julie got off to walk her safely home from work. And at the ages of 23 and 30 respectively, Julie and Peter got married in a civil ceremony in Taipei, with their families present.
Peter always strived to provide his family with more than he ever had. He decided to pursue his Masters degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Utah and move his family to the United States. Peter went on to work in the aerospace industry for over four decades, working on some of the greatest space and commercial aircrafts in U.S. history.
But Peter’s proudest achievements in life, aside from his marriage with Julie, have always been his three daughters, Heidi, Carlene, and Sandy. A devoted girls’ dad, Peter always strove to make sure he raised daughters who did not fear failure, pursued their dreams wholeheartedly, and lived life joyfully. He would repeatedly tell his daughters to not give up, even in the face of life’s challenges. Peter embraced the small joys in life—sneaking home cookies for his daughters when Julie wouldn’t approve, enjoying coffee and Oreos in the early morning, and being content with sitting on a bench while the rest of his family explored a mall. And for those who know Peter well, they know nothing brought him joy like a round of mahjong or a game of pai gow. If Peter was in Vegas, you wouldn't find him without his wooden rice paddle, which he believed brought him good luck.
From his daughters to his grandchildren, Peter was always reliably there for them as a source of support and strength. If someone needed to be picked up from school, he would be there. If someone needed a meal at McDonald’s, he would gladly enjoy one with you. Peter’s family was, above all, his source of pride and joy. He is survived by his loving wife, Julie, his three daughters, Heidi, Carlene, and Sandy, his grandchildren, Victoria, Timothy, Brandon, Mia, and Micah, and his sons- and grandson-in-law, Kim, Carl, and Michael, each of whom strive to carry on his legacy every single day.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider a donation to the Lewy Body Dementia Association and/or the Asian American Social Welfare Foundation:
A celebration of life will occur Friday, May 3, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Pacific View Memorial Park (3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625). A graveside service will follow from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pacific View’s Balboa Gardens Lawn. Afterwards, we welcome any family and friends to join us for a lunch celebration at 12:30 p.m.
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