Tim C. Tsang, 93, of Smithfield, passed away peacefully early this morning at home while in hospice care on Thursday, January 19th, surrounded by loved ones. He was the beloved husband of the late Pui Fong Tow.
Born in China, Mr. Tsang moved to Rhode Island where he was the owner and chef at the former Luke’s Restaurant on Eddy Street.
He was an amazing, sweet, kind, and thoughtful man – a husband, father, and grandfather. He lived a long life, but at a young age, lost his father and was sent away shortly thereafter to the Philippines. He didn’t get a chance to finish school during WW2. He even almost got bayoneted by a Japanese soldier as a teenager. My father had an arranged marriage and only saw his wife when he could travel back to where he was from the Philippines to Hong Kong. Despite this, he stayed with her until the end and decided to listen to her and come to America in his 40s, leaving behind a thriving business, friends, and family. Despite not knowing English and lack of support, he persevered and made a life for himself and his family. He was not one to complain and made sacrifices to provide for us. He may not have spent as much time with us as we would have liked, but his priority was to ensure we had a roof over our heads and food on the table.
He was a man who loved to sing at night before going to sleep.
He is survived by three children; Meimei Tsang, George Tsang, and Michael Tsang; eight grandchildren, Timothy Hutzley, Ryan Hutzley, Sherry Tsang, James Tsang, Aaron Tsang, Jaclyn Tsang, Lynda Tsang, and David Tsang. He was the father of the late Robert Tsang and Peter Tsang.
Burial will take place at 1:00 pm Saturday, January 28th in Pawtuxet Memorial Park, 100 Harrison Avenue, Warwick, followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial at The Islander, 2318 West Shore Rd, Warwick, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.