Khann Chey

Khann Kevin Chey (Chreng Ton Kam) of Hopatcong, NJ passed away July 6 in VA.  He was 87. Born to Kerb and Nout on 02/05/1936 in Stung Treng, Cambodia, he was the oldest of 5, 2 brothers and 2 sisters.  After his parents passed away, Khann was raised by his uncle Chey Chreng.  He often spoke about his time with the Cambodian Royal Boy Scouts as well as special forces.  After marrying, Thonn, Khann worked for his sister-in-law’s(Ohm Vy) taxi company and his uncle’s gemstone company.  Once the Khmer Rouge took over, he managed to save his family by assisting in logistics for rice delivery to makeshift rural communities as well as liaising for the people of those communities.  The family was able to flee to a refugee camp in Thailand, where he utilized his fluency in French, English, Laotian and Cambodian to assist in the relocation of families to France, Canada, Australia, United States, England, and Japan.  When asked where he wanted to relocate, he never hesitated: “The home of the free! The United States.”  The family chose NJ to be close to his wife’s nephew, Vandy Sou.  There they were housed in a refugee home by Catholic Charities. Khann found work as a dishwasher and busser at Silver Spring Farms in Flanders.  He rode his bicycle there daily through all weather.  Through the generosity of Ronald Kelly, the family moved to Hopatcong, and were introduced to a deeper encounter of the Catholic faith.  In Hopatcong, Khann found his parish, St. Jude, where he attended Mass daily always praying for his family.  He also found work as a custodian in the Hopatcong School district, where he retired after 19 years.  He never missed a day of work. His great heart, compassion and consideration of others was impossible to not notice.

Khann is predeceased by his wife, Thonn Chey and eldest son Akhara Chey.  He is survived by seven of his children: his daughter-in-law Nhar Ross Chey, and her children, Sophia (Vett), Linda, Peter, Mary, and Theresa; his son, Mithona Chey, and his wife, Santina, and their children, Anthony, Justin, and Emily; his daughter Chariya Rush, her husband Stephen Jr. and their children, Steve III and Naria; his daughter Thidaphao Chap and her husband, Phan, and their children, Kiersten, Dylan, and MacKenzie; his son Saobophann Chey, his wife, Nataliya, and his son, Nicholas; his son, Chansok Chey, and his children Kaytlynn and Preston; his son, Samreth Chey and his wife, Eileen, and their children, Khann, Micah, Lincoln, and Evangeline; his son Piseth Chey, and his wife Lisa, and their children, Justin and Naomi.  He is also survived by his sister Chanthon Leut and her seven children: Siev, Loung, Sabin, Boun, Nang, and Cee.  He is also survived by his friend and family sponsor Ronald Kelly. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing and visitation FRIDAY July 14, 2023 4:30 - 6PM St. Jude Roman Catholic Church 40 Maxim Dr. Hopatcong, NJ 07843. MASS will begin at 6PM. There will be a second visitation and service SATURDAY July 15th from 9AM -1PM at The Preah Buddha Ragsey Temple 6th and Ritner St Philadelphia, Pa 19148. Interment West Laurel Hill Chapel and Crematory. In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to the family in his memory to: 2 Beacon Rd.Hopatcong, NJ 07843. or Zelle to 804 239 4942.