Ying Yu Pan

In Loving Memory of

Ying Yu Pan

June 1929 - December 2022

Ying Yu Pan, 93, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 16, 2022 at home in Cleveland, OH with his family member by his side. Born in Rangoon, Burma; He immigrated to United States in 1974 with his family. He was very proud to become a naturalize citizen in 1979 with his family. In 1982, he achieved his American Dream by becoming a home owner. Though a stranger in a foreign land, he stated home is where the heart is.

Ying worked as a cabinet maker, bean sprout farmer and chef at a Chinese restaurant. He was an avid community member. As a self-proclaimed mayor of little Chinatown, he always took the initiative to greet you with a warm smile and talk about his family. He received recognition from the City of Cleveland of Ward 13 for his hard work and dedication in the community. He also was selected for Southwest - Home for the Holiday Event in 2002. This was first real vacation to visit family on the west coast.

After retirement, he found peace and serenity by growing Chinese vegetables in his backyard. He always had bountiful crops and would share them to the local retirement center. He had a great devotion and selflessness to the local Christian Church. He utilized his cooking talents by creating many delicious dishes every weekend and holidays. He loved to sing hymns before his hearing loss.

Ying favorite pastime was reading new recipes and sending Christmas cards to his many friends and family. He would start in early November so he can write them all. If you were on the list, you were considered family. He also loved to share his wisdom about being fearless and trying out new things. Be kind to one another. We have much more in common than anyone realize.

Ying will join his wife, Molly in heaven. They were married for 60 years until her passing in 2021. He is survived by his four children: Jackson Pan & Nelson Pan, of California; Mary Pan, of Wickliffe; and Wilson Pan, of Cleveland. He is also survived by his two grandchildren and six cats.

A private memorial & celebration of Ying’s life will be planned for a later date. Ying was a simple man and dislike extravagance. To Ying striving for money was meaningless, the friendship you gain was more precious. In lieu of flowers, Ying’s family suggests that memorial donations be made in his name to your favorite local food bank.