Sy Thongdy

Sy Thongdy was a beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, and friend. Born in Cambodia on December 17, 1947, he began his journey seeking the American dream after having escaped the Khmer Rouge in 1979. He immigrated to the United States with his family in November 1980. Upon arrival to a foreign country at the age of 32 where English was his 2nd language, he quickly adapted to a life outside of his norm - got an education in which he attended Long Beach City College, learned English, and obtained an automotive certificate that allowed him to become a working class citizen.

He loved his family, sports, and his community. He was very passionate about basketball and football. We will miss his expressions as he cheered for his favorite team.

As the 2nd oldest out of the four siblings, he was not only a strong man with a strong personality but he also had a strong voice who exhibited tough love. The love can definitely be felt at family functions and gatherings because he was the life of the party when it came to having fun and singing.

However, that strong voice would have no more opportunities to speak or to sing because he became a victim of a hit and run on the evening of February 19th at about 6:30pm on Pacific Coast Highway between Pasadena and Linden Avenues in Long Beach. He was immediately hospitalized in ICU fighting for his life while the suspect carelessly fled the scene. Although a CT scan indicated there were no skull fractures, his body was compromised from the neck down. Each and every day, the family held onto the nurse and doctors’ echoes regarding his progress moving in the right path as he attempted to open his eyes and follow commands with his delayed responses. As each week passed, the continued slightly positive signs of progress in his recovery was hoped and prayed for but the family was only met with heartbreaking news that his organs were failing. As a result, his health condition deteriorated and he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on March 24, 2023. He leaves behind a wife, 5 children and 12 grandchildren. He is loved and will truly be missed.

Our family greatly appreciates all the love and support we have received thus far. Please continue to keep him and our family in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate through this difficult path without him in our lives.