Hee Sung Kang, a beloved member of the Sung Kang Family, passed away on March 6, 2023, at the age of 70 in Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio. Born in Seoul, South Korea on June 3, 1952, his life journey brought him across continents, ultimately establishing him as a cornerstone of his family in the United States.
Hee Sung Kang’s immigration to the United States on June 18, 1983, at the age of thirty-one marked a new chapter in his life. He initially settled in Great Falls, Montana, where his older sister resided. Later, he and his brother, Kyung Chul, with whom he immigrated, ventured to Pittsburgh, PA in 1987, seeking new opportunities and to build their lives in America.
In Pittsburgh, Hee Sung Kang and his brother demonstrated their entrepreneurial spirit by establishing and running several dry cleaning businesses. Their partnership and hard work led them to Dayton, OH in 1999, where they continued their business ventures and further solidified their family’s presence in the region.
The Sung Kang family is characterized by deep bonds and mutual support. As siblings joined Hee Sung Kang in the US, he played a crucial role in helping them establish themselves. Despite being the sixth of seven children and the youngest son, he was undeniably a central figure, a rock providing stability and support for the Kang family as they navigated life in a new country.
Hee Sung Kang was predeceased by his parents, Duck Jo and Jung Im Kang, and his older sisters, Kyung Suk Kang and Kyung Ja Kim. He is survived by his devoted wife of over three decades, Cheng S. Kang. Their relationship was a testament to enduring love and partnership, working side-by-side and sharing a deep connection.
He was a dedicated father to his daughter Joo Kang and son Richard Kang. His joy expanded with the arrival of his grandsons, Raiden Hyunsu Tatsuno and Aiden Hyunwoo Tatsuno, through his daughter Joo. The birth of his first grandson brought immense happiness to Hee Sung Kang, evident in his brighter smile and increased joy.
Hee Sung Kang is also survived by his older brothers Kyung Won Kang (and his wife Yoo Gi), Kyung Chul Kang, older sister Hee Ok Kang, and younger sister Suk Hee Kang. Further extending the family circle are brothers-in-law Luis Cardiel and Guk Son Kim. His memory will be cherished by his eleven nieces and nephews, their partners, and their seventeen children, spread across the United States and South Korea, all part of the extended Sung Kang family.
A man of faith, Hee Sung Kang was an active member of the Dayton Korean United Methodist Church, reflecting his commitment to his community and spiritual life. His legacy is one of family devotion, hard work, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially the Sung Kang family. The family requests that you keep his wife, Cheng S. Kang, in your prayers during this difficult time.
