Obituary of Carlton W. Chew

Carlton W. Chew, 68, retired International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 3 A-Journeyman Electrician and shop steward, passed away peacefully at home in West Brighton, Staten Island, after courageously undergoing 11 years of treatment for liver cancer. Carlton was the beloved husband of Susan, son of predeceased Fook Woo Chew and Mee Lan Lui, and dear brother of Elizabeth Lum, uncle to Gregory and Alison Lum, predeceased by his sister Victoria Heavy. Carlton was loved as a son by Susan's mother, Josephine Ambrosio; loved as a brother by her sisters, Virginia Ambrosio Fedus and Joanne Kircher Cororan; and loved as an uncle by Brittany Falesto, Joanna and Dean Kircher; and the grandchildren, Aubrey Kircher-Colon and Charlotte Grace Falesto. Carlton was born in Flatbush, Brooklyn, attended Erasmus Hall High School, and moved to Eltingville, Staten Island, in 1966, graduating from Tottenville High School in 1968. Carlton completed two years of college. He was a former president and founding member of Local 3's Asian-American Cultural Society; a founding member of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance; and a member of the Freemasons Electrical Square Club and Truman Lodge; and Local 3's Colony Club. Carlton fought each day for the rights of working people and the principles of organized labor. He was recognized in 2005 by then-Councilman John Liu with a proclamation for his efforts in labor organizing. Carlton, along with his wife and dear and close friends, was a staunch member of the Democratic party and was a member of the Democratic Organization of the County of Richmond, the Staten Island Democratic Association and the North Shore Democratic Club. He and his wife joined a coalition of environmental organizations and fought against the energy companies and the threats of hydraulic fracturing to New York City's water. Carlton was an avid reader and enjoyed National Geographic and Smithsonian Magazines. He and his wife read the New York Times each day. Carlton's hobbies included gardening, stained glass work, and walking miles almost each day. While Carlton was at home in peaceful and natural settings, he valued his time among many friends. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in loving memory of Carlton W. Chew to the Shriners Hospital of Boston, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114. Family and friends will be received at Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard on Saturday, August 4th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 5th from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Funeral from Matthew Funeral Home on Monday, August 6th at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Moravian Cemetery. Carlton will be missed by his wife, his family and innumerable friends.