Sad News - The Passing of Jesse Wang

Post date: Oct 15, 2009 3:00:50 AM

Dear Watanabe Judo Family,

It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jesse Wang. Jesse passed away early this morning at White Plains Hospital where he had been for the past few weeks. As some of you may know he had undergone open heart surgery earlier this year, but was never quite able to recover. According to Sensei, he was just shy of his 83rd birthday and was a member of the dojo for nearly 20 years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

His presence was missed in the dojo these past few months during his illness, and even more so in the wake of his passing. For those of you not fortunate enough to have learned from him, he was a walking Judo encyclopedia capable of educating on the most basic level to beginning judoka, and at the same time pointing out mechanical nuances to improve the techniques of the most advanced students. He will be sorely missed in our dojo, may he rest in peace.

There will be a memorial service this coming Saturday, 10/17/09 at the Scarsdale Congregational Church at 2:30pm. The church is at the corner of Route 22 and Heathcote Rd in Scarsdale. For more information or directions, you can contact the church at 914-723-2111 or visit their website: scc-ucc.org

At the moment, there is no information about where to send cards or flowers, and/or if the family has asked for donations to Jesse's favorite charities. However, Sensei will try to find out and we will pass along information as soon as it becomes available.