Chao-Kun Tsai

Chao Kun Tsai
Queens – Chao Kun Alex Tsai of Queens, NY, passed away suddenly from cardiac arrest on December 22, 2021. He was born on February 17, 1944 in Chang Hua, Taiwan, the son of Ching Hwa Tsai and Lai Yi Hsieh. He obtained his college degree from Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan. He was the fourth eldest of nine siblings.
He grew up in Taiwan and moved to Argentina in 1980 and then to the United States in 1988, where he had always resided in Queens.
He was a business owner/optometrist for 38 years. Upon his retirement in 2007, he became a full-time doting grandfather who babysat his grandkids. He was a great dancer and loved to teach dancing to others at senior citizen centers and tai chi at local parks. During summers, he dedicated his time to grow a variety of vegetables and fruits in his backyard to give to his family, friends and neighbors. He loved traveling and visited over 20 countries. He was a proud fan of Argentina’s soccer team and always rooted for his favorite player, Lionel Messi.
Chao Kun is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Su Chuan Lai; his daughter Cindy and sons Tony (Frances Wang) and Robert (Jennifer Lee); and four grandchildren: Alina, Austin, Isabella and Aiden. He is survived also by six siblings, as well as numerous nephews, nieces and other extended family.
Chao Kun was a very humble man known for his kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity. He loved helping others. His signature smile and laughter will be missed. He loved his family and was a great husband, father and grandfather. He was also a loyal friend. We will miss him every day.