of Fremont, CA
February 3, 1931 - July 15, 2016
Peter Chu of Helena, AR and Fremont, CA passed away peacefully on July 15, 2016 in Hayward, CA at the age of 85.
Peter was born in Xinhui City, Guangdong, China, February 3, 1931, one of 5 children.
As a young adult, Peter emigrated from China after the Cultural Revolution seeking a better life for himself and his siblings. Peter came to New York City where he worked and eventually owned a laundry. Peter met his love, Bonnie, while in New York City, where they married and continued to live there for several years. Around 1958, Peter and Bonnie left New York City and moved to Helena, AR to raise their young family and run a grocery store business. Peter enjoyed playing mahjong and listening or watching baseball.
Peter was pre deceased by his wife, Bonnie, in January 1993. Afterwards, Peter retired from the grocery store business, and settled in Fremont, CA where he had been living until his death. In retirement, Peter liked to cook, eat, walk several miles a day, garden, and visit friends and play mahjong at the Chinese Senior Center in Chinatown. Peter's greatest joy was his family '''' he travelled back to China in 2009, with his children and their families, seeing his homeland for the first time since leaving as a young adult.
Peter is survived by his wife, Neina, of Fremont, CA, his 4 children, David Chu (Joy) and grandson Jonathan of North Little Rock, AR, Grace Chu (Marty Brown), and grandchildren Bonnie and Andrew of Chester, NJ, Paul Chu (Gina) and grandson Christopher of San Mateo, CA, and Joseph Chu (Kristine) and grandsons Matthew and Bradley of Bentonville, AR., his brother, Kwan Woo Chiu (Gui Hiang) of New York City, NY, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 from 5 to 7 pm at the Roller-Citizen Funeral Home, 508 Plaza, West Helena, AR. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016, at 10 am at the Roller-Citizen Funeral Home, 508 Plaza, West Helena, AR. Burial will follow immediately at Sunset Memorial Park, 5783 Highway 49, West Helena, AR.
Services directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
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27 Condolence(s)
Auzree C Hightower
Thursday, June 9, 2022
My family and I lived in Helena, Arkansas in the 80s and early 90s. Mr. Chu ran his grocery store close to our home and I remember him fondly. He was always very kind and helpful. May he Rest In Peace.
Laney Gradus
Monday, August 1, 2016
David and Grace
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing.
He and your mother were a strong testament to the melting pot that Helena was in our youth.
Sending you ease of heart.
Laney
Janice Chin Hensley
Friday, July 29, 2016
My heart goes out to your family at this difficult time. Your dad was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed visiting with him and you. Your mom was always a wonderful cook. He will be dearly missed. May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time. I will keep you in my prayers. Janice
glenn pittman
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
a very good man and when i was growing up in helena, arkansas i went to his store as a kid and later on as a adult i delivered kerosene to their store and i allso delivered beer and later on delivered coca - colas. mr. chu his wife and their children were allways very kind to everyone. what a great man and a very good family and i want ever forget how kind he was to me. glenn pittman mims florida.
Vincent Pittman
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
I'm really sorry for your loss! I spent lots of time at your family grocery and always loved hearing Mr. Chu talk. My Dad, Glenn Pittman was a regular customer there and drove a school bus directly across the street from the store. I knew your Dad as kind, funny and a hard worker. We are all going to miss him!
Jim Milam
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
I have many fond memories of going into the store. Mr. & Mrs. Chu were always so nice. I remember Mr. Chu liking to banter & joke. I'm so sorry for your loss, but am glad I had the Chu family in my life.
Jim Milam
Chuck Roscopf
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
David,
I was saddened to learn of your Dad's passing. Your Mom and Dad were fine folks, and I'll always remember them fondly from my growing up in Helena. Prayers to you and your family.
Chuck Roscopf
Alberta Davis
Monday, July 25, 2016
Im so sorry sorry for your loss. Although I no longer live in Helena your store was such a part of my childhood. I will b praying for your family.ðŸ™ðŸ½
Debby woods
Monday, July 25, 2016
Hate thing went like the suppose too . David, grace, Joe the fun we share to gether. The love and the laughter. Always be my neighbors. Love you guys
David Melton
Monday, July 25, 2016
Sorry to hear of your loss. The Chu family is certainly in our prayers.
David, Nita, Faith, and Tyler Melton
Leonard Fitzgerald
Monday, July 25, 2016
R.IP.Mr Chew was a great man all prayers going up to the family!
George Gates
Monday, July 25, 2016
So sorry for y'alls loss, David, Grace.
JB Linzy Jr.
Monday, July 25, 2016
To a fomer high school football team mate. David I am very sorry for your loss, and god bless you and your family.
Delores Alexander
Monday, July 25, 2016
Sorry for your lost and praying for the family. My Godfather would take me to the store everyday after school for a treat. Mr. Chi had lots of patience with us children, but was firm with us too. He will truly be missed.ðŸ™ðŸ¿ðŸ™ðŸ¿
Nathaniel Franklin
Monday, July 25, 2016
My prayers are with the family of my friend Peter Chu. I will always remember he had a kind heart and generous demeaned.
debra Thomas johnson
Monday, July 25, 2016
He was so gentle and kindhearted. He broke me from stealing cause he put me out the store until my dad came with me and I never did that again . He never mentioned it to me. Rest in love a kind man that loved all the people from Chicansaw Street and the oil mill. Respectfully Debra
Gloria Robinson
Sunday, July 24, 2016
My candy store back in the day-praying for the Chu family.
Johnny Johnston & family
Sunday, July 24, 2016
My deepest condolences to your family . I have many great memories of Peter and family and especially the store .
Shirley Williams
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Mr. Peter Church one of the greatest corner store owners in the black community you treated us like family you will be missed
Dona Maples Bowry
Sunday, July 24, 2016
David and family. I am so sorry about the loss of your father. My prayers are with you and your family.
Chuck Cline
Sunday, July 24, 2016
David I am so sorry for your loss! I have many fond memories of your dad from my grade school days throughout high school. He was a wonderful, kind and tolerant man. My thoughts and prayers to you and family!
Judy Norwood Tipton
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Dear David and family,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your father.
A cruise on Cherry Street was usually accompanied with a stop at the store.
Take care and fond memories.
Randy Chin
Saturday, July 23, 2016
David, Joe, and Grace, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Winford Blackburn
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Many fond memories me and Kerby running in store and he always call me "wise guy", good ole days.
Mary Frances Williams Everett
Saturday, July 23, 2016
This lovely man and his wife were such a wonderful part of my childhood. He was so good to us kids. He put up with us daily and we had much respect for him. I send my condolences to his family. Please know that this man was loved by many.
Dody Owens Jones
Friday, July 22, 2016
David, regrets for what you are going through in this trying time. My whole life, I ran in and out of the store !! All I can say is that he had patience 😊
Long time since we were going to school together...
May your father rest in peace
Leslie Chin
Friday, July 22, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. I grew up knowing Peter and his family, although not actually related we called him Uncle Peter. Many fond memories!