Way Fun "Jimmy" Pong, 84, Served In The Battle Of The Bulge

Mr. Pong was born in Canton, China on March 27, 1923 and had been a resident of Lorain County since coming to the United States in 1923.

He was a graduate of Lorain High School. Following his graduation, Way Fun joined the American Shipbuilding Company.

Mr. Pong was a World War II U.S. Army Veteran. He completed his basic training at Camp Barkley, Texas and then was re-assigned to Fitzsimmons General Hospital in Denver Colorado where he was attached to the 235th General Hospital Service serving as a medical technician. He was transferred to Europe where he participated in the Rhineland Encounter as well as the Battle of the Bulge as a member of the 7th Army Brigade.

Upon his return from military service in 1946, Jimmy rejoined the American Shipbuilding Company ultimately retiring from the manufacturer in 1983 following a career that spanned forty-one years.

He was a member of Christian Temple Disciples of Christ in Lorain. He was also active with the Lorain International Festival Committee and offered countless hours of service to the Lorain International Pageant. He was also active with the Firelands Council of the Boy Scouts as well as the Erie Shores Council of the Girl Scouts.

Survivors include his wife of fifty-three years Juanita (nee Sword), daughter Sandra Tramontana of Lorain, step-daughter Nancy Woods of Amherst, step-son Roland M. Thomas of Vermilion, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, brothers George of Tustin, California, Willie of North Olmsted, and Gene of Portland, Oregon, and by sisters Mary Lou Hom of San Diego and Sarah Hong of Palatine, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mar Sue and Hom Shee Pong and by brothers Harm Doon and Dee Pong.

Visitation will be Sunday from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway Avenue – Lorain. Funeral services will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral chapel with the Reverend Dr. Bradley Donohue, Pastor of Christian Temple Disciples of Christ officiating. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst Township where military honors will be conducted by the officers and members of Louis Paul Proy Chapter # 20 of the Disabled American Veterans.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to either the Christian Temple Disciples of Christ – 940 West 5th Street – Lorain, OH 44052, or to Community Health Partners Regional Foundation / New Life Hospice – 3700 Kolbe Road – Lorain, OH 44053.