Sammy Yuen, Sr.

August 11, 1935 – May 15, 2026

Sammy Yuen, Sr. of Brookline, MA passed away on May 15, 2026 at the age of 90.

Sammy was born in Guangzhou, China on August 11, 1935. Sammy dedicated his life to his family, who will always be grateful for his selfless devotion.

Sammy was separated from his mother as a young child during the Japanese invasion of Southern China, spent part of childhood with his grandfather who homeschooled him, and then emigrated to Hong Kong alone as a youth. Sammy spent his formative years in Hong Kong and left in the 1960s to work on a cruise ship where he became the Dining Hall Captain. In 1968, Sammy arrived in New York City where he met his wife Wendy and they eventually moved to Boston, though they remained lifelong fans of the New York Yankees, a love that they passed on to their children (and one of their four grandchildren).

Though Sammy never received any formal education, he learned to read and write both Chinese and English, as well as other languages. Sammy worked tirelessly as a bartender and waiter to put his children through college so that they would enjoy the opportunities he never had.

His last restaurant job was at Golden Temple, in Brookline, MA, where he loved getting to know his customers. After his children were safely out of the nest and onto their careers, Sammy finally turned to his true passion, teaching martial arts and helping others. Sammy taught Qi Gong and Tai Chi and worked as a massage therapist and was always helping family members and friends with their ailments.

Sammy is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Wendy, their children Sammy Jr. (Jenny Yung) and Tammy (David Austin). Sammy was a proud and devoted grandfather to Amelia, Jack, Daisy and Chase. In his final years, spending time with his grandchildren brought him great joy.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 9th at Lawler Funeral Home, located at 1803 Centre St, West Roxbury, MA 02132.