News Summary
Michael Wong, a dedicated family man and longtime State Farm veteran, passed away unexpectedly in Alhambra, California. His legacy as a husband, brother, and friend in both Phoenix and Southern California is cherished by many. Born in Hong Kong and raised in the U.S., he made significant contributions through his career and personal passions, leaving behind loving family and friends.
Phoenix, Arizona is in mourning following the sudden passing of Michael Wong, a valued family man and longtime State Farm veteran. Michael, aged 65, passed away unexpectedly on September 8, 2025, while visiting family in Alhambra, California.
Details of His Life and Legacy
Born on July 17, 1960, in Hong Kong, Michael was the son of Kwok Keung and Pui Hing Wong. He was a dedicated husband to Lily Wong, with whom he shared 18.5 years of marriage. He is survived by his mother, Pui Hing Wong, his older sister Grace Woo, younger brother Harry Wong (Cathy), and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Kwok Keung Wong.
A Roots in America
The Wong family immigrated to the United States in 1966, initially residing in San Francisco for six months before moving to Los Angeles. In the years that followed, they lived near Los Angeles Chinatown from 1967 to 1971. Michael attended Castelar Elementary School and made a daily 1.5-mile round trip walk to school with his siblings.
In 1971, the family settled in Alhambra, where he graduated from Alhambra High School in 1978, excelling in both academics and cross country. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from Cal State University, Los Angeles, in 1982.
A Career at State Farm
Michael began his career at the Schilling Graphics printing company and worked part-time at Fremont Market during high school, where he saved enough money to buy his first car, a bright yellow Camaro Z-28. In 1983, he joined State Farm Insurance, where he dedicated 42 years of his life in various roles including technical support, networking, and infrastructure management across several State Farm offices.
Michael transitioned to IT Network Operations in 2019, following the closure of the data center where he worked, demonstrating his adaptability and technical prowess.
Passions and Interests
Beyond his career, Michael was known for his diverse interests. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, and exploring national parks. A fan of sports, he passionately supported the LA Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, and UCLA Bruins. His love for cars included learning to maintain and repair them, with his last vehicle being a 2000 Toyota 4-Runner that had over 300,000 miles on it. Michael cherished his close-knit relationships with family and friends in both Southern California and Arizona, always participating in major family celebrations and milestones.
Memorial Arrangements
Viewing services for Michael are scheduled for September 24, 2025, at Rose Hills, Hua Yuan Center, Hall of Wisdom in Whittier, CA. An additional viewing and funeral service will take place in Phoenix, AZ, on October 4, 2025, at Greenwood Cemetery.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Phoenix Children’s Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice.
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Additional Resources
- ABC15: Phoenix Children’s Wants You to Step Up & Stop Cancer
- City Sun Times: Local Bakery Supports Phoenix Children’s Foundation
- PR Newswire: Desert Financial Foundation Golf Tournament Raises $680,000 for Phoenix Children’s
- KTAR: Phoenix Children’s Give-A-Thon
- KTAR: 1 Darn Cool School
- Wikipedia: Phoenix, Arizona
- Google Search: Phoenix Children’s Foundation
- Google Scholar: Phoenix Children’s Medical Research
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Phoenix
- Google News: Phoenix Children’s Foundation
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
