Judson Chu

Judson Chu passed away on February 1, 2015 at the age of 91 of respiratory and heart failure. He was born in Chico, California to Chu Bow Nan and Chu Foon Ho, who were immigrants from Xinhui County, Guangdong Province, China. Born the third of four sons, he grew up in Los Angeles with brothers George, Johnny and William. He worked day and night throughout his youth in his father’s small Chinese restaurant, the Hong Kong Café in South L.A. After graduating from high school, he attended vocational school to become a radio technician.

When World War II broke out, Judson was drafted, and served in the U.S. Army as a radio communications sergeant at the dangerous Pacific battlefront of Okinawa in the 421st Rocket Batallion, 10th Army Corps. Throughout his life, he was very proud of his service to his country.

After the war, he went back to his father’s village in China, where he met and married May. They would be together for 66 years until her death in 2013. They raised four children, Dorothy, Judy, Dean and Jeffrey. Judson worked hard to support his growing family, first at Lockheed for eight years in aircraft communications, and then Pacific Bell for 23 years. His expertise in telecommunications equipment led him to become a supervisor.

In 1965, Judson and May moved the family to Santa Clara, where they lived for nearly five decades. He was very active in his community. He was a faithful member of the American Legion Santa Clara Post 419. A lifelong ham radio enthusiast, he greatly enjoyed being a member of the Cathay Amateur Radio Club, where he participated in ham radio sessions every Monday night. He actively volunteered at the YMCA, particularly in the outdoor youth camping program. He was president of the Chinese American Citizens League. For years, he and May volunteered to collect and distribute groceries to needy seniors.

Judson was a gentle, humble man who worked hard all his life. He was known for his amiable way of engaging people in conversation with his friendly smile and genuine interest in them. He was especially proud of his four grandchildren, Timothy, Elizabeth, Liane and Keri.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 2:30 PM at the Salvation Army, 3090 Homestead Road, Santa Clara. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Salvation Army in Santa Clara.