MELROSE — Theodore Wong, 104, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away at home on Saturday, October 16, 2021.
Theodore was born in Salem, Massachusetts on Nov. 2, 1916, and was one of five children of the late Edward and Helen Wong. He graduated from English High School as a member of the Class of 1935, and Boston University as a member of the Class of 1939. On July 31, 1949, he was married to Rose Yee and settled in Melrose to raise a family of three children. Ted worked for General Electric for over 40 years, retiring in 1982 as a quality control planner for aviation.
Family was at the center of Ted’s life. He was happiest when surrounded by family during holidays and get-togethers. With expert care and precision, he impeccably recorded the family tree for generations of his family. Always true to his family, Ted found great joy and happiness from visits with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Selfless and loyal, Ted always wanted the best for everyone and did his best to support his family.
In his free time, Ted enjoyed reading, learning, home projects and eating, especially his favorite desserts. Early in his life he was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and Knights Templar. Ted will be deeply missed, but always remembered as an easy-going, humble family man.
Ted was the beloved husband of Rose (Yee) Wong, with whom he shared 72 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Clifton Wong and his wife, Susan, of Rancho Palos Verdes, California; Eric Wong and his wife, Elizabeth Grabau, of Blacksburg, Virginia; and Wendy Wong-Keefe and her husband, Edmund, of Lynnfield. He was the dear brother of Midge Eng and her late husband, Warren, of Boston; Philip Wong and his wife, Joy, of Chestnut Hill; the late Robert Wong and his late wife, Betty; and the late Audrey Yee and her late husband, Donald. He was the cherished grandfather of Nicole and Jeffrey Wong; Stephanie Wong-Noonan; Alexander Wong; Jennifer Reardon; and Melissa Keefe. He was the loving great-grandfather of Juliet, Samuel and Theodore. Many loving nieces, nephews and cousins also survive Ted.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Ted’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Oct. 21, and for his funeral service celebrated on Friday, Oct. 22. Interment took place in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
In memory of Theodore, donations are welcome to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis TN 38105 (www.stjude.org). To sign an online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
