Thomas Chung passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on September 23, 2022 surrounded by 3 generations of his loved ones in San Diego, California. He was a resourceful businessman, a devoted husband, and a steadfast provider for his family.
Born on August 10, 1939 and raised in South Korea, Thomas was a natural learner and tinkerer from an early age equipped with an exceptional memory. His boundless curiosity and pursuit of knowledge allowed him to excel in academics and graduate from Inha University’s renowned School of Engineering with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He carried this love of learning with him throughout his entire life, learning new languages and seeking new knowledge well into his octogenarian years.
Thomas’s indomitable sense of adventure was evident even in his formative years. As a young man he reveled in nature and the outdoors, eventually becoming a highly skilled hunter and marksman. In the same vein he also developed a deep affection for motorsports and was able to establish a flourishing motorcycle import business during his early years in South Korea – the first of many successful business ventures throughout his life.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to embark upon a new life in Bolivia with his young family where, from humble beginnings and modest means, he quickly established both his wife Anna (a most capable engineer in her own right) and himself as integral members of the local budding cosmopolitan textile/fashion industry. When the opportunity to seek a better quality of life in America came within reach, Thomas seized that opportunity to relocate his family to New York where the Chungs owned and operated a local market in The Bronx for many years.
As empty-nesters, Thomas and Anna moved once again to sunny Southern California where they created a thriving dry-cleaning business in La Jolla that allowed them to retire comfortably in San Diego. Thomas looked forward to family gatherings, outdoor activities, and San Diego’s amazing scenic golf courses. In fact, Thomas and Anna were active members of the Morgan Run Club & Resort in Rancho Santa Fe where they honed their skills on the golf course nearly every single day.
Thomas is survived by his widow Anna, his sons Michael (Julie), Joseph (Cecilia), and Andrew (Christine) – as well as his 5 grandchildren whom he sincerely loved and absolutely adored.
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