Joseph (Joe) Kung Chen, born on June 24, 1933, in Nanjing, China, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his
loving family.
Joe’s life was shaped by resilience and an enduring curiosity for the world. Born during a tumultuous time, his
family fled to Taiwan amidst the unrest in China. It was there that he completed his education, graduating from
National Cheng Kung University in Tainan in 1951 with a degree in mechanical engineering. His passion for building
and fixing things was evident from a young age, making this career path a natural fit.
After completing two years of mandatory military service in the Taiwan Army, where he picked up Cantonese from
a bunkmate, Joe emerged fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English—skills that would later serve him well in his
adventures around the globe.
Joe’s career began at the prestigious President Hotel in Taipei, where he worked as a staff engineer. It was there
that he met the love of his life, Kitty Chien. They married in 1968 and, just months later, embarked on a new
chapter in the United States, settling in Queens, New York.
In Queens, Joe and Kitty ran a Chinese restaurant with friends and later operated a neighborhood convenience
store, all while Joe worked as an engineer with National Overseas Airways (NOA) at LaGuardia Airport. Together,
they built a loving home, welcoming their son, John, in 1970 and their daughter, Karen, in 1975.
In 1980, the family relocated to Hayward, California, where Joe worked as an Aircraft Technical Engineer for World
Airways at San Francisco International Airport. In 1983, they found their forever home in Union City, California. Joe
later joined American Airlines, working across Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose airports until his well-earned
retirement.
Though Joe worked the late-night shift for much of his life, he was always a devoted husband and father, making
time for his family no matter the hour. He loved to travel and embraced the joy of spontaneous adventures, often
taking advantage of his airline employee benefit, which allowed the family to fly for free. Whether exploring
Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Europe, or South America, Joe ensured his children grew up with a rich understanding of the
world and countless cherished memories.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Kitty Chen; his son John Chen, daughter-in-law Sheri Yam, and
granddaughter Avery Chen (10); and his daughter Karen Olsen, son-in-law Jake Olsen, and grandchildren Benjamin
(14) and Alexandra Olsen (12). He is also lovingly remembered by his nephews Emil Chen and Luke Chen of Taipei,
Taiwan.
A funeral service to honor Joe’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Sunset View Cemetery &
Mortuary in El Cerrito, CA. A viewing will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by services at noon
and a burial immediately afterward.
Joe’s life was one of happiness, positivity, love, hard work, and adventure. He will be deeply missed and fondly
remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in eternal peace.
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