DEA, George Kung

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, AZ Wednesday, October 13, 2010 George Kung Dea, entered into his rest on Sept. 12, 2010 at the Cohen Hospice House in Modesto, Calif. surrounded by the love of many family members. Born in Canton, China, George was the youngest child with two brothers and a sister. He came to America as a 12-year-old, leaving behind his mother and joining his father, Dea Gin Foo, in Globe. After two years of school, he began working in his father’s business, Sang Tai Café and Hotel on Broad St. In 1938, George returned to China to marry his wife, Lily, a teacher. They had four children: Stanley, Thomas, George J., and Joyce, who all graduated from university. His eight loving grandchildren and numerous American-born nieces and nephews all followed the same pursuit. This core value for education led the Dea family to establish a trust fund several decades ago that still funds annual college scholarships for Globe High School students. In 1946, George acquired his own business, Star Buffet, adjacent to the Sang Tai Café. He worked diligently between the two businesses for many years. He retired when he was 80 years old. George enjoyed his garden of flowers and prized Chinese vegetables and was an avid coin collector. He took responsibility for the maintenance of the Globe Chinese Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. at Lamont Funeral Chapel, followed by a graveside service at the Globe Chinese Cemetery and a luncheon reception at China Taste Restaurant. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Dea Gin Foo Scholarship Trust Fund, c/o Globe Unified School District; Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356; or Crossing Hospice in Globe. Assisting the family is Lamont Mortuary.