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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Tom Wen Dong Yan 嚴文東, devoted husband to Winnie Yan 項薇剛, cherished father to Audrey Yan 嚴慈恩 and Andrew Yan 嚴慈慕, and a beloved brother to Wen Ray Yan 嚴文瑞 and Wen Ling Yan 嚴文龄. Tom was also a filial son, dear uncle, brother-in-law, cousin, and a loyal friend to many.
Tom passed away unexpectedly from a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 70 on October 14th, 2024, at 5:26 PM at St. Francis Hospital in Port Washington, Long Island. He was known for his warmth and light hearted nature. His love, strength, and wisdom touched every aspect of our lives, leaving behind a legacy that will forever live in our hearts.
Tom was born on April 8th, 1954, in Shanghai, China, to the late George Ren-An Yan 嚴仁安, a connoisseur of Peking Opera (Jing Ju) and a distinguished Peking Opera musician, and the late Amy Shen Yan沈靄美, a loving homemaker known for her gourmet cuisine talent. Tom was the great-great grandson of Yan Xin Hou 嚴信厚 (aka Yan Xiao Fang 嚴筱舫), a renowned industrialist and banker in China’s late Qing Dynasty. Tom was the great grandson of Yan Yi Bing 嚴義彬 (aka Yan Zi Jun 嚴子均), a capitalist and philanthropist in modern China. Tom was the grandson of Yan Zhi-Duo (aka Yan Zhu-San 严祝三), the eldest son and an heir (prior to 1949) to the Yan Family (aka Yen Family).
Before Tom came to America, he worked at a research lab in Shanghai’s Rui-Jin Hospital (瑞金医院, named Guang-Ci Hospital 广慈医院 before 1967). In 1986, Tom came to America to be reunited with his family in New York. Tom was later introduced to his future wife Winnie through a mutual friend, and they married in San Francisco, California in 1994. Tom unearthed a passion for attending antique auctions and was always on the hunt for unique and valuable treasures; he had a keen eye for genuine items of value. He was respected for his knowledge in antique authentication and his advice was highly valued. Tom was cherished within his community of antique enthusiasts.
Tom’s expertise and passion for antique works of art were no accident. Tom had the fortune of being exposed to many authentic and quality Chinese works of art at a young age through his family. Tom practiced Chinese calligraphy at the age of 8 and excelled in the calligraphy style of “Li-Shu” 隶书. He loved and learned the art of Seal Carving and Engraving at a young age and became very good at it. Tom went on to develop his curiosity for art collectibles into a rich knowledge and passion for nearly 40 years in the U.S.
Tom was the central hub for his family, close relatives, and loyal friends. He had a generous heart and brought tremendous joy to his wife, children, his brother and sister, nieces, nephews, elders, cousins, friends and neighbors. His boundless hospitality was contagious to friends and family. His sense of humor made others feel comfortable, seen, and heard around him. Despite being constantly on the move, he was never too busy for a loved one, and would readily drop everything to offer his support for those who needed it. He expressed his love through his incredible cooking, heartfelt advice, and generosity. Tom’s unconditional love and dedication touched all of us in many special ways.
Our hearts are heavy with grief as we cope with the loss of such a vibrant and loving presence. We are comforted knowing that Tom had a loving family and lived a happy life in America. Tom’s memory will continue to live on in our hearts, always and forever.
Tom’s funeral service was held on Saturday, October 26th, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Long Island’s Roslyn Heights Funeral Home.
Thoughts and memories for Tom Wen Dong Yan are welcome. You may share them on this platform’s message section, or send them (any photos) to: wenlingyen@outlook.com
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