Andrew Jung Wook Kang's Obituary
Andrew J. Kang, 53, of Union City, California passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 11, 2024, due to heart failure. Andrew, known as "Andy" to his family, "Drew" to his friends and colleagues, and "Buncle" to his niece and nephew, was born on July 15, 1971 in Fairfax, Virginia. He grew up in Alexandria with his two sisters, raised by a single mother who had been widowed and mostly working multiple jobs to support her young family. Andy graced his family with caustic humor, sarcasm, and a penchant for disassembling and reassembling mechanical objects for the sole purpose of learning how things worked. Eventually, Andy became "Mr. Fix-It" and was always the go-to person for automotive or other mechanical questions. He brought a spirited competitiveness in all endeavors such as board games, computer games, tennis, wrestling, fishing, and, later, ultimately and most avidly, golf.
Sharp and ever logical, Andy completed grade school effortlessly and enrolled in the College of William & Mary, majoring in philosophy. At William & Mary, he found friendship and camaraderie with other irreverent, humorous beings at the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Upon graduation, Andy ultimately found his talents comfortably matched in the computer industry, working as an IT professional for many years thereafter. Andy ultimately found his new home in the Bay Area and flourished there for over two decades.
Approximately ten years ago, and upon the diagnosis of his mother who developed Alzheimer's/dementia, Andy became a leader in his family on the care and management of his mother's well-being. During and after the pandemic, Andy assumed full care of his mother's in-residence treatment by devising a meticulous process of care, including health and physical therapy for his ailing mother, in addition to providing a love unmatched by any. His future plans included many household projects, visits with family and friends, and a lot of time on the golf course. Andy's unexpected passing will leave a giant hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A private memorial service in Virginia is being planned for relatives and his close friends.
Andy is survived by his mother, Mun Ja Kang, his younger sister Christina Kang, his older sister Suzanna Kang and her family, Trey Hanbury (brother-in-law), Amelia Hanbury (niece) and Nate Hanbury (nephew), his aunt, Yong Rapaport, and his cousin, Kay Blaine Dale, and her husband Scott Dale. Andy is also survived by many other loving family members and friends, including his aunts and cousins in the U.S. and abroad in Korea.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask for donations to be made to the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation in Fremont, California at the online giving page by visiting www.whhs.com/donate. Please check the box to dedicate a gift in the memory of Andrew Kang. If desired, you can select ‘cardiac care’ to ensure funds help support cardiology services in the community, or any division of your choice. Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation’s tax ID is 94-2886219. 100% of gifts are tax deductible.
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