News Summary
Michael Wong, a cherished family man and long-time employee of State Farm Insurance, has passed away unexpectedly. Known for his dedication to work and family, Michael’s life was marked by achievements in both his professional and personal endeavors. He is survived by his beloved wife, mother, and siblings, and his sudden loss has profoundly impacted his community and loved ones.
Alhambra, California – Michael Wong, a beloved family man and veteran of State Farm Insurance, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 65 on September 8, 2025, while visiting his family in Alhambra, California. The news of his passing has left a significant mark on the hearts of those who knew him.
Born on July 17, 1960, in Hong Kong to Kwok Keung Wong and Pui Hing Wong, Michael emigrated to the United States with his family in 1966. They first settled in San Francisco for around six months before moving to Los Angeles. The Wong family later lived near Los Angeles Chinatown from 1967 to 1971, where Michael developed a love for his new home and a strong work ethic from a young age.
He attended Castelar Elementary School and often walked 1.5 miles round trip to school with his siblings. In 1971, they relocated to Alhambra, where he continued his education at Fremont Elementary School. Michael graduated from Alhambra High School in 1978, earning recognition for both his academic achievements and his participation in cross country running.
Michael went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from California State University, Los Angeles, in 1982. His professional career began shortly thereafter as he joined State Farm Insurance in 1983, working at the Southern California Regional Office in Costa Mesa, California. Over the span of 41.9 years, he held multiple positions within the company, demonstrating expertise in teleprocessing, networking, and programming.
In 1995, Michael transferred to the Greater California Regional Office in Bakersfield, where he played a vital role in the development of a new data center’s network and mainframe environments. Two years later, he took charge of the network team at the Insurance Support Center (ISC) West data center in Phoenix, Arizona. When the ISC West data center closed in 2019, Michael adapted to new roles within IT Network Operations, ultimately working in the Infrastructure Engineering and Operations Management team.
Michael is remembered as a dedicated husband, son, brother, and uncle, having shared 18.5 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Lily Wong (Tom). He is also survived by his mother, Pui Hing Wong; older sister, Grace Woo; younger brother, Harry Wong (Cathy); and several nieces and nephews. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Kwok Keung Wong.
Outside of work, Michael led a rich and fulfilling life filled with hobbies and interests. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hiking, and visiting national parks. He also indulged in woodworking, photography, and sports, being an avid supporter of several teams including the LA Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, and UCLA Bruins. College football and March Madness were among his favorite sporting events. In addition, he had a passion for traveling and looked forward to exploring various destinations across the Big 10 and Big 12 conferences.
Michael maintained strong connections with family and friends throughout Southern California and Arizona, often participating in significant family events despite the physical distance. He is fondly remembered by many as a best friend, mentor, and companion. His sudden passing has left a void in the lives of all who knew him.
Viewing will be held at Rose Hills, Hua Yuan Center, Hall of Wisdom, in Whittier, California, on September 24, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a Traditional Ritual of Offering at 6:30 p.m. Additionally, an Arizona viewing and funeral service will take place at Greenwood Cemetery, Serenity Chapel, in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 4, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. and gravesite service.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Phoenix Children’s Foundation to support the Center for Heart Care or to a charity of one’s choice.
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Additional Resources
- Garden City Funeral Home
- AZ Central Obituaries
- Phoenix New Times
- Google Search: Michael Wong obituary
- Wikipedia: Southern California
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange 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 OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
