In Memoriam
George Wong Founder of Bel Air Supermarkets
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George Wong, a founder of Bel Air Supermarkets who led the chain as president for 40 years, died Sunday after recent weeks of failing health, his family said. He was 87.
As the only president in the company's history, Mr. Wong guided Bel Air as it transformed from a small, family-owned business to a major player in the local grocery industry. He joined his father, Gim, and five siblings - Bill, Gene, Albert, Paul and Lillie - to open the first store at Fruitridge Ave and 63rd Street in Sacramento in 1955.
Under Mr. Wong's leadership, Bel Air built a reputation for quality products and customer service. In 1987, Mr. Wong helped launch an annual fundraising event at Bel Air to benefit hungry and homeless people. He was invited to the White House to receive a citation from President Ronald Reagan recognizing the company's charity initiative.
Bel Air grew to 17 stores in a geographic area stretching from Woodland and Yuba City to Sacramento and El Dorado Hills before the chain was sold to Raley's Inc. in 1992. Mr. Wong stayed on as president until 1995.
Mr. Wong lived in Rocklin. He served on the boards of Bank of Sacramento and the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
He held leadership positions in industry groups, including Northern California Grocers Association (CIGA's former name), the Chinese Food Dealers Association, and California Grocers Association. He was a past director of the Food Marketing Institute, a national trade organization.
Services for Mr.Wong are pending.
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