Longtime Ridgefield resident Larry Fung Eng, has died

Larry Fung Eng was born in Guangzhou (Canton) China, April 5, 1938, and was promoted to glory into the arms of his Lord and Savior on September 10, 2021.  

Larry immigrated to the US in 1948, graduated from Massapequa High School in 1956 and continued educating himself with instruction in transmission repair, HVAC repair, and various production industry certifications. Always exercising his analytical mind, he had the rare gift of learning skills through observation. He learned framing, electrical, plumbing, masonry through relatively brief visits at construction sites and filling in his knowledge by asking questions, research, and observation.

He met his wife Franise Horak and was married in November of 1959. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Ridgefield, CT in 1964 and was the owner of The Rickshaw, a Chinese Restaurant on Route 7. It was open for many years until its closing in 1977. Later, Larry would go on to be the maintenance supervisor at Pepperidge Farm in Norwalk, CT. It was in the field of production maintenance where his skills and gifts flourished.

Larry lived a vibrant life and always shared great stories. He shared how he survived a Japanese invasion of his village during WWII by fleeing through rice fields and bamboo forests on the back of his mother. He emigrated from China around the age of 10 via pirate-infested rivers of China and then across the Pacific on The USS General W. H. Gordon and began the American Dream through hard work. He often shared his love of his country through the eyes of a “foreigner”.

Larry dedicated his life to his family and the constant betterment of their situation. He constantly shared his love of Chinese culture, food, hospitality, and personal gifts. Many of these will be perpetuated to others thanks to him. He was known for his generous spirit and will be fondly remembered by all his neighbors as being helpful and ready to lend a hand at a moment’s notice. Larry came to know the Lord in his later years. He was active in his church, New Life Evangelical Church in Danbury, CT, and went on a mission trip to Cambodia and Thailand.  

Larry was predeceased by his wife, Franise of almost 60 years, and his daughter, Lisa Petrovich. He will be sorely missed and is survived by his son Keith (and Jaime) Eng of Ridgefield; brothers Jack (and Marie-Claire) Eng of Key Largo, Florida; Walker (and Joyce) Eng of Stratford, CT; sister Ellie Eng of Stratford, CT; son-in-law Bruce Petrovich of New Fairfield, CT; nephew, Andrew Eng of Stratford, CT; grandchildren Cailin Petrovich of Queens, NY, Megan and Abigail Eng of Ridgefield; and “adopted” son Alex (and Jean) Mangels of New Milford, CT.  A special thank you to the RVNA team of nurses, and caregivers who took exceptional care of Larry and Franise.

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM with a Memorial Service following from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Walnut Hill Community Church; 156 Walnut Hill Road, Bethel, CT. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Life Evangelical Church 22 Maple Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810 or Walnut Hill Community Church 156 Walnut Hill Road, Bethel, CT 06801.

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