Dennis Michael Wong

Dennis “Denny” Michael Wong, former grade level coordinator, administrator, and coach at Summerville Union High School, passed away August 19, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of those who knew him best.

Born August 13, 1942, in Delano, California, Denny was the son of Mike and Minnie Wong and brother of Arnold Wong.

He was raised in San Francisco, California, where he developed a lifelong love of Bay Area sports and a deep appreciation for his community. His love of baseball began early. As a young man, he would stop on his way home from school to watch the San Francisco Seals from outside the fence—a small glimpse of the enthusiasm for sports that stayed with him as he proudly followed the San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, and Golden State Warriors throughout his life.

He attended Lowell High School in San Francisco and went on to graduate from Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho. There he met and married Phyllis Wheaton in 1965. 

His passion for education and athletics led to a fulfilling career as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and vice principal in Fairfield and Dublin, California. Son, David Michael Wong, was born in Fairfield and daughter, Tracy Marie Wong in Livermore.

After twelve years working in education, Denny decided to take an early retirement in 1977. He and the family left the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to the mountains of Tuolumne County, where they took over ownership of Skandia Smorgasbord just below Sugar Pine. It took Denny about six weeks after moving to Skandia to find his way back to the gym and coaching basketball once again. 

The Wongs owned and operated Skandia for about ten years. Phyllis and Denny divorced in 1993.

Denny spent most of his career in education at Summerville Union High School in Tuolumne, California; beginning as a basketball coach and eventually serving as an administrator. For Denny, education was more than a profession—it was an opportunity to encourage, guide, and make a lasting difference in the lives of students and athletes. Summerville became an important part of his life, and the school community remained close to his heart. He retired in 2002.

Denny embraced retirement with enthusiasm, fondly calling his retirement community in Lincoln, California “Disneyland for adults” because of the many activities and events taking place. There he met and married his wife, Cheryl Leland in 2006. They enjoyed golfing four to five days a week, traveling, and going on cruises. He also loved his daily walks with his puppies, which brought him great joy and companionship.

Denny and Cheryl moved to St. George, Utah in 2017 where they continued to golf and engage in family and community activities. They moved to Denton, Texas in 2025.

Denny is survived by his wife, Cheryl Wong of Denton, Texas; his son, David Wong and wife, Jennifer of Hurricane, Utah; daughter, Tracy Wong of Tuolumne, California; brother, Arnold Wong of San Mateo, California; grandchildren, Riley Jackson and Reesie Wong of Hurricane, Utah; and Phyllis Wheaton, mother of his children of Tuolumne, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Minnie Wong.

Denny will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a proud grandfather, a coach and educator who cared deeply about his students, and a loyal friend and fan. His influence reached far beyond the classroom and basketball court, and the memories he created with family, students, athletes, and friends will live on.

A Celebration of Life will be held September 20, 2026 at 2 p.m. in the gymnasium at Summerville Union High School in Tuolumne, California. The family welcomes all who knew and loved Denny to join them in remembering a life devoted to family, education, athletics, and community.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Sonora Area Foundation in memory of Denny Wong for Summerville Union High School Programs.