Charles Ka-Sung Tse

IN LOVING MEMORY

Charles Ka-Sung Tse

November 20, 1943 – September 10, 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Charles Ka-Sung Tse, 79, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on September 10, 2023, born in Guangxi Province, China, on November 20, 1943.

Preceded into eternal life by his loving wife Clara of 50 years, Charles was the devoted father to Philip (Kara), Elizabeth Metzger (Nathan), and Annie (Adrian Evertsz).  Adoring grandfather (YeYe/GongGong) to Antonina, Peter, John, Charles, Maddalena, Mary, Eliana, and George.

Dutiful son to Peter Tse (deceased) and Pauline Kwok (deceased).  Loving brother to Mary Wu nee Tse (deceased), Fred Sie (deceased), Eric Tse (deceased), Paul Tse (deceased), and Angela Fong nee Tse.

Charles graduated from National Taiwan University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and immigrated to the United States in 1966.  When he got off the plane at JFK Airport in New York City from Hong Kong, he had all his earthly belongings in two suitcases. 

His first apartment in Washington Heights, which he shared with Uncle Fred, was infested with cockroaches that scattered every time they turned on the lights.  He commuted to Westchester county every morning, working full-time for tuition reimbursement, before commuting back to Greenwich Village to complete his Master’s Degree classes at New York University.  

As a professional, Charles had diverse interests and talents.  Starting his career in engineering, Charles designed the closed-circuit camera system of the NASA SkyLab early before opening a chain of Chinese restaurants throughout Florida.  Eventually, Charles sold the restaurants and aspired to become a management consultant.  He sought to build a niche for himself in assisting Western companies set up joint ventures in China. 

This transition was not easy, as he had difficulty finding full-time employment in this area due to his lack of business background.  Charlie then went out on his own and even after several business failures, he never gave up on the American Dream. 

By the time he retired, he was a highly successful international businessman, having built from the ground up the China subsidiary of Prestolite Electric, a global manufacturer and supplier of alternators, starters, electrical equipment, and services to the transportation, industrial, military, marine, agricultural and construction industries. 

A devout servant of the Church, he was active in every Parish of which he was a member, serving as a lector, Eucharistic minister, choir member, and prayer group leader.  He continued in these capacities for many years even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in his 60s, drawing strength from his strong faith. 

He will be sorely missed. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Charles Tse to Salesian Missions and/or the Michael J. Fox Foundation:

http://donate.salesianmissions.org

http://give.michaeljfox.org

Friday, September 15, 2023

Visitation: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., including Vigil Service at 11 a.m.  

Glick Family Funeral Home

3600 North Federal Highway

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Mass of Resurrection: 1 p.m.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

4595 Bayview Drive

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

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