Leonard Sherman Chong Obituary in Fremont at Fremont Chapel Of The Roses

Leonard Sherman Chong

7/27/1946 - 6/30/2016

Obituary For Leonard Sherman Chong

Leonard Sherman Chong July 27, 1946 – June 30, 2016

Dr. Leonard Sherman Chong, 69, of Fremont, California, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2016 due to complications related to lymphoma. His sudden illness and diagnosis of cancer just two weeks earlier caught everyone by surprise.

Len was born on July 27, 1946 in Oakland, California, the eldest son of Peter and Ellen Chong. Len graduated from Oakland High School as valedictorian in 1963. He entered UC Berkeley (Cal) at age 17 and then gained early entry to the School of Dentistry at UC San Francisco. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and a certificate in Orthodontics from UCSF.

After completing his studies, Len started his orthodontics practice in the Tri-City area, first in Hayward for about 10 years and then in Union City for the past 30 years. His son, Scott, joined the practice in 2002 and the two practiced together until the day Len entered the hospital in mid-June. Many of Len's earlier patients have returned to the practice to have their children's orthodontic needs met.

Len was a passionate Cal fan with deep familial roots to the University. His grandfather, Samuel Pon, graduated from Cal in 1923 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His father, Peter Chong, the first in his family to attend college and a World War II veteran, earned his Cal degree in Accounting in 1940. Len met his college sweetheart, Judy, in the Cal library on January 14, 1966 and they were married for over 45 years. They were longtime Cal football and basketball season ticket holders and regularly took their three children, Scott, Kristi, and Laurie to Cal games.

About 20 years ago, Len and Judy began devoting more time to supporting Cal Athletics, Cal Spirit, and the Cal Band. Since 1995, Len served as the photographer for Cal Spirit. Len and Judy enjoyed traveling to away games for the Cal football and basketball teams. They cheered for the women's basketball team at their first ever Final Four appearance in New Orleans in 2013 and followed the men's teams in their NCAA bids as well.

Len’s other favorite hobbies were international travel with Judy (including recent trips to the Galapagos Islands, Africa, and Europe), spending time with his two granddaughters, and maintaining his koi ponds.

Len is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; his son, Scott, daughter-in-law, Anna, and two granddaughters, Jocelyn and Talia; his daughter, Kristi; his daughter, Laurie and future son-in-law, Charlie Chiau; and his younger brother, Ken.

The family requests NO FLOWERS or visitors at this time. If you'd like to make a donation in his honor, he was a staunch supporter of the Cal Spirit Groups and the Cal Band.

To give to the Cal Band, go here: https://give.berkeley.edu/egiving/index.cfm?fund=FJ0520000&org=Cal+Band+Fund&amt=&fundlist=FJ0520000

To give to Cal Spirit, go here: https://give.berkeley.edu/egiving/index.cfm?fund=FJ0405000

There is an option to note that your gift is in memory of Len.

We also would like to encourage blood donations. Cancer patients need many blood products (e.g., platelets, plasma, and packed red blood cells).

We will host a Celebration of Life for Len on Sunday, July 24, 2016 in Berkeley at his alma mater, Cal. More details about this Celebration will be posted on his Caring Bridge website at: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/leonardscaringbridge.

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10/01/2021

Ken Chong

2 files added to the album Memories Album
10/01/2021

jhchong1427

The family requests no flowers, please. If you'd like to make a donation in his honor, he was a staunch supporter of the Cal Spirit Groups and the Cal Band. To give to the Cal Band, go here: https://give.berkeley.edu/egiving/index.cfm?fund=FJ0520000&org=Cal+Band+Fund&amt=&fundlist=FJ0520000 To give to Cal Spirit, go here: https://give.berkeley.edu/egiving/index.cfm?fund=FJ0405000 There is an option to note that your gift is in memory of Len. We also would like to encourage blood donations. Cancer patients need many blood products (e.g., platelets, plasma, and packed red blood cells).
10/01/2021

Fremont Chapel of the Roses

1 file added to the album Memories Album
10/01/2021

Ken Chong

1 file added to the album Memories Album
10/01/2021

Kenneth A. Chong , DDS

Lit a candle in memory of Leonard Sherman Chong
10/01/2021

Teri Souza

I am floored to have found out Dr Chong has passed. I will always cherish the photography articles he sent to me and the time he took in helping me find a camera lens. Dr. made me shine so beautifully on my wedding day (fixed my front teeth) and his family and staff always made me feel welcome and valued. I wish Dr. many beautiful skies and peaceful places to take photos of. A kind gentleman and a blessing to all who knew him.
10/01/2021

Josette Walian

Please accept my condolences on your loss. Dr. Chong straightened the teeth of my three children, so we saw him often over a number of years. I remember his professional expertise combined with his kind and good-humored demeanor. And, of course, his dedication to Cal - Go Bears!
10/01/2021

Kenneth A. Chong , DDS

I wish to light these Blue and Gold candles for my brother Dr. Len, who will be sorely missed. He was always there as a Professional for his patients, and took great, loving care of his family. Dr. Len was never too tired to offer help, or wise advice to anyone who was in need . Rest in Peace my dear brother ! Ken
10/01/2021

Kevin Milligan

Kris and I are shocked and saddened to learn of Len's passing today Friday July 13, 2018. We moved away to Carmel and are a bit out of touch with the Bay Area. Kris and I want to express our support to Judy, Scott, Kristy and Laurie. He was a kind and true friend. He demonstrated how to treat people with respect and kindness and we tried to live up to this example he set. Len was a patient listener and thus an excellent communicator and he always had time to lend an ear. This bright light that he brought was apparent to all that were lucky enough to count him as a friend. The care and precision that he put into his orthodontic practice that served so many was second to none.
10/01/2021

Ken Chong

3 files added to the album Memories Album
10/01/2021

Kenneth A. Chong , DDS

Lit a candle in memory of Leonard Sherman Chong
10/01/2021

Ken Chong

Len and both of his Parents are now reunited . If you listen carefully, You can hear them all yelling "Go Bears" ! .. Ken Chong
10/01/2021

Theresa DâOnifrio-DeCarli

I am sadden of the passing of Dr.Chong. I just recently met a gal who is a Dental hygienist in Union City, we got to talking and she knew my orthodontist (from my younger years), Dr. Chong and informed me of his passing. I am in complete shock and sad of this news, he was my orthodontist from the age of 8 years old. Dr. Chong was the only one who could get through to me, he said with his sweet voice, and gracious smile, , â if you donât stop sucking your thumb, you wonât be able to get bracesâ needless to say, I stop sucking my thumb that night. I hadnât seen him since my teenage years (1988/86) , up until around 2013 when I decided to go in to get a new retainer. He was SO happy to see me, he was that same kind man that I remember as a kid with that larger than life smile, it felt like time had never passed and I will never forget what he said, I am so happy to see you, you shine like a bright lightâ I expressed my gratitude for him for all his recommendations and for fixing my teeth, without his help, I would not have the smile I have today! Thank You Dr. Chong in Heaven, you werenât just a great Orthodontist, you were a self esteem builder with a kind and sweet soul....I have never forgotten about and will ALWAYS remember you! Sending the Chong Family my condolences and please know that Leonard has changed so many lives in so many ways, he was great at his work and an amazing soul. God Bless Theresa DâOnofrio
10/01/2021

Ken Chong

1 file added to the album Memories Album
10/01/2021

Ken Chong

1 file added to the album Memories Album
10/01/2021

Ken Chong

2 files added to the album Memories Album
10/01/2021

Jean

Len and Judy were my neighbors when I lived in Fremont many years ago. I remember Lenny's bright smile and positive attitude and friendliness. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I hope your memories will comfort you. Jean Hammerback
10/01/2021

Nick Brown

He was so sweet and good Judy. I am so sorry.
10/01/2021

Carol Jo Tichenor

Len was my first cousin...so I carry with me the memories of playing by his side and sharing wonderful family experiences with him for 66 years! His love and devotion to Judy, his kids and grandchildren are beyond words. He always had a thoughtful listening ear for everyone he interacted with. I will miss his support, advice and his ever present wonderful smile. Carol Jo Chinn Tichenor
10/01/2021

Kristina Rodrigues

I'm so heartbroken over the loss of such a kind, selfless, and amazing soul. Leonard was truly one of a kind. I was on the Cal Dance Team at UC Berkeley. There was no budget for the team really and Leonard donated his time to capture beautiful memories of our dance team. He became the official photographer and I simply can't imagine my college experience without him smiling in the stands and taking beautiful pictures. But more than that, Leonard became our friend. I've never met someone so genuine and kind. I'm so sorry for your loss Judy and I will keep your beautiful family in my prayers.
10/01/2021

Marilyn Bowman

What can I say? We are still in shock. Ed & I have known Lenny & Judy for over 43 years. Our oldest daughter, Stacey, was the first baby that Lenny every held. A year to the day after Stacey was born, Lenny held his first child, Scott. We spent many happy times together with our families at North Star. Our kids learned to ski together and we played games together at night. Lenny was so good at playing his hockey game that Ed used to make him put on ski gloves. We will miss Lenny but we still carry him in our hearts. He had a wonderful smile and laugh and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Our prayers are with Judy and the family. Love, Ed & Marilyn
10/01/2021

John Berk

I was very sad to hear of your loss. I sat close to Lenny during our dental school years and he and others tried to teach me to play bridge (unsuccessfully). I shared some patients with him and after my retirement from private practice, I found I worked only a couple of blocks from his office at the Art Dugoni Dental Clinic in Union City. I had stopped by a couple of times to say hi but unfortunately missed him. Please accept my sympathies. John Berk
10/01/2021

James Pavon

Dear Mrs.Chong and Family.My name is Jim Pavon... Len and I went to school together...I too,grew up in Oakland...I remember us both going to Garfield Grammar school and both graduating from Oakland High in 1963 ....My most memorable recolection of Len was when he and I had our Spanish class together in High School...Mrs.Kornfield was our teacher and at one point,Len and I were teamed up together doing "SKITS" each week in Spanish as part of our studies....We had to make up some sort of a "SKIT" each week to show our skills in "Conversational Spanish"...To make a long story short,we wouldn't just do something that was mundane...Our skits had a bit of comedy flare,so to speak...Together,we became,the hit of the class each week.It seemed as though,everyone in our class,couldn't wait to see what we were going to come up with next....Len really had a great sense of humor and together we both had the class laughing every time we did our skits.We weren't bound for "Comedy Central" but,we had a great time doing those skits together...I will always remember Len as being a very good friend and a guy that was totally dedicated to his studies...I knew Len would really follow his passions in life and dedicate his life to doing something that would help people....I am so sorry to hear about his passing.And I am so sorry for your loss.God bless Len, you and your Family...Sincerely,Jim Pavon
10/01/2021

Keith Young, DDS

A person shows his love by the things he does. Lenny loved mechanical things, dealing with probabilities, and his wife. So he designed and built a slot machine with the symbol of hearts and the name Judy for his jackpot. His love of Dentistry is reflected in his son Scott who shares his passion. I will miss him dearly, my best to the family. Keith Young, DDS
10/01/2021

Richard Plasch

1 file added to the tribute wall
10/01/2021

Gary Tucker dds

Leonard had a special gift for listening . He truly was interested in learning everything he could about the people he met. He and Judy enabled my family to learn to ski at Northstar ,and his skill gave my daughter a smile that was perfect! He will be in my thoughts forever. Gary Tucker DDS
10/01/2021

Darlene Hamady

Dear Kenny--I am so sorry for the loss of your brother, Lenny. I am Darlene Lee Hamady and grew up with you and your brother on E. 22nd Street in Oakland. I have very fond memories of Lenny when we were young students at Garfield Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High, and Oakland High. We ended up going to CAL but I lost contact when my father suddenly died after our 1st year at CAL. However, after I retired from Oakland Public Schools, I had contact via his mother-in-law, Millie Quan, who attends our church Senior Center in Berkeley. Please convey my condolences to Lenny's family; and I extend my deepest sympathies to you as well. I will make a contribution to the CAL Band in Lenny's memory. With fond memories, Darlene
10/01/2021

Gary & Lynn Taylor

Dear Judy: We just found out about Len's passing. He was such a gracious and kind man. The world lost one of it's best. With much love to you and your family, Gary & Lynn Taylor

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