Edward F.M. Wong

Mr. Edward F.M. Wong, of Waltham passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at Mount Auburn Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was 94.

Edward was born October 11, 1925 in Boston, a son of the late Chinese immigrants Hop 'Harry' Wong and Quan (Shee) Wong. Raised and educated in Boston's Chinatown neighborhood he later graduated from Tufts University with his Bachelor's degree, and later received his Master's degree from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He married Nellie E. Lee in August 17, 1958 in Saint Peter's Church in Cambridge and they have made Waltham their home since 1958.

Edward, a malacologist, or mollusk expert, worked for over 40 years on both the state and federal levels for the Environmental Protection Agency before retiring in 1991. He nicknamed himself as "The Clam Man" and would consult with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries to determine if the waters near the shore lines or the clam beds were contaminated. Edward was also called in to help with Red Tide situations that happened occasionally along the shores of all of New England.

His passion and talent for cooking began when he worked aside his brothers and father at the family business, the Nanking Restaurant on Main Street in Waltham, the first Chinese restaurant in the city. While the business eventually closed Edward's love and passion for cooking never ended. Edward would invite his large family annually every Saturday of Presidents Day weekend to his house for what he dubbed the 'Annual Chow Mein Dinner'. With days of preparation and the best of ingredients, Edward was most happy for this family gathering.

He was also very talented with wood-working and will be remembered by his family as 'Mr. Fix It'. For Edward any challenge or problem always had a solution.

Fitness perhaps was a key to his long and healthy life. He played tennis weekly with friends well into his 70's and jogged and ran as well. He ran daily well into his 80's. Other interests included listening to classical and jazz music.

Edward is predeceased by his siblings, Allan, Francis and Clifford Wong, Priscilla Lee and Florence Yuen.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, Nellie, he leaves his children, Irene C. Wong (husband Michael A. Moretti), Roger V. Wong (wife Patricia A.), of Waltham, and Michael V. Wong (wife Karen) of Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania; his brother, Bolton 'Bobby' Wong of Framingham; his grandchildren, Jennifer, Joseph, Jonathan and Joshua Wong; great-grandchildren Nicholas, Mei Lyn and Benjamin; and is also survived by many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Edward's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Sunday, February 9th from 2 to 5 p.m., and again at 9 a.m. on Monday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.