Alva Hong

Alva B. H. (Al) Hom, 81, of Gainesville, VA, passed away on Monday, August 20, 2012, after a brief illness. He was devoted to his family, his church and his faith in Jesus Christ. Al is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Jane. He is also survived by his three children, daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Tom Bailey of Denville, NJ; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Stewart Ocheltree, Jr. of Manassas, VA; and son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Ellen Hom, of South Riding, VA. He will also be greatly missed by his seven grandchildren, Lauren and Tori Berard; Chris, Matt, and Daniel Ocheltree; and William and Mary Kate Hom; and by sister, Helen Wong of Philadelphia, PA and sister and brother-in-law, Betty and James Louie of Elk Grove, CA. He is preceded in death by his brother, Ken Hom and sister, June Louie. Al, born in December 1930, grew up helping in the family restaurant in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. He graduated with honors in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University in 1957. After his marriage to Mary Jane in October 1957, they relocated to Hillsborough, NJ, where Al started a career in the semiconductor industry with RCA. Al retired in 1999 in Melbourne, FL and remained active doing volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity, the Palm Bay Public Library and the First Presbyterian Church of Palm Bay. He also pursued his lifelong interests in woodworking, photography, and gardening. Al had a reputation for hard work, honesty, a strong sense of duty, and a desire to help others. He was a lifelong Presbyterian and served several congregations as an Elder, a Sunday School teacher, and volunteer worker. The family will hold a memorial service at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2012 at the Centreville Presbyterian Church with the Rev. J. Robin Bromhead officiating. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia or the Centreville Presbyterian Church Deacon's Fund. Arrangements by Pierce Funeral Home, Manassas, VA. Condolences may be sent to www.piercefh.com.

Alva Hong

December 4, 1930 - August 20, 2012