Peter Chu

Peter Chu, of Fremont, Calif., passed away peacefully on July 15, 2016 in Hayward, Calif. at the age of 85. Mr. Chu is formerly of Helena, Ark. Peter was born in Xinhui City, Guangdong, China, Feb. 3, 1931; one of five 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, Ark. to raise their young family and run a grocery store business. Peter enjoyed playing mahjong and listening or watching baseball. Peter was predeceased by his wife, Bonnie, in Jan. 1993. Afterwards, Peter retired from the grocery store business and settled in Fremont, Calif. 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 traveled 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, Calif.; his four children: David Chu (Joy) and grandson, Jonathan of North Little Rock, Ark., Grace Chu (Marty Brown) and grandchildren, Bonnie and Andrew of Chester, N.J., Paul Chu (Gina) and grandson, Christopher of San Mateo, Calif., and Joseph Chu (Kristine) and grandsons, Matthew and Bradley of Bentonville, Ark.; his brother, Kwan Woo Chiu (Gui Hiang) of New York City, N.Y.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Roller-Citizen Funeral Home, 508 Plaza, West Helena, Ark. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016, at 10 a.m. at the Roller-Citizen Funeral Home, 508 Plaza, West Helena, Ark. Burial will follow immediately at Sunset Memorial Park, 5783 Highway 49, West Helena, Ark. Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.