This posting on whatsapp was sent to me by a friend of Chuck...

Hello Everyone:

I know some of you already know, but I recently found out that our pickleball colleague, Chuck Wong, had passed away on January 20, 2024. As with many of us, pickleball had become a part of his life. I know that he loved playing at Osage and he cherished the many friends he made there. He will be missed.

It was the 1960s.  Chuck and I were friends but I don't remember how we met.  I know I would  see him at Chinese School Monday through Thursday afternoons and sometimes on weekends.  We shared the same birthday date.  I am two years older.  Occasionally, we would meet up on a Henry Street stoop just to talk about everything, anything, all at once.

I remember his sister, Francis,  would be walking down the street and he would shout out, "Hey, Pumpkin!"  She would join us for a while and then she was on her way. 

One summer he was going to be away for a week or two.  We would write to each other.  I remember letting him know he is such a nice brother. "It's so sweet to hear you call your sister "Pumpkin".  It's such a cute name!"

Chuck wrote back ,"Thank you, Jean.  Pumpkin IS  a  cute name but I actually  called her "Punk Kid".

I had such a laugh and never forgot it!

Years later I shared the story with Francis  and asked her if I could continue to call her Pumpkin and she said YES🙃

Pumpkin coordinated a night of karaoke when Chuck and Leona were in town but I was unable to attend.  I am so glad Chuck and I had time to chat at the recent James Center Reunion.

I miss you, Chuck.  

God Bless you.🙏❤