Dick Yiu-Wah Leong

Dick Yiu-Wah Leong, 82, of Acton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at his home on September 8, 2026. He was the loving and devoted husband of Constance Oi-Gim (Chin) Leong, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage after their wedding on June 1, 1973.

Born in Hong Kong, China, on January 23, 1944, Dick was the son of the late Francisco and Ho-Man (Chan) Leong. His father was born in Macau, China, and his mother was born in Canton, China. Dick grew up in Hong Kong and graduated from New Method College before coming to the United States to pursue higher education.

Dick’s lifelong interest in science and engineering led him to earn his undergraduate degree in physics from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He continued his education, earning master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics from the University of Iowa and in Electrical and Computer Systems from Wayne State University. Dick believed deeply in the value of education and maintained a lifelong love of learning. He particularly enjoyed visiting and touring colleges and universities throughout the country, exploring their campuses and learning about their academic programs. He was a strong proponent of continued education and was very proud of his children’s academic and professional achievements.

Dick built a 29-year career with Ford Motor Company, where he applied his background in physics, engineering, and mathematics to automotive research and development. His work contributed to advances in automotive engine technology, and he was named as a co-inventor on U.S. Patent No. 5,531,105, Method and System for Determining Engine Oil Consumption, issued in 1996. He also co-authored the 1992 SAE technical publication, An Advanced Instrument for the Real-Time Measurement of Engine Oil Economy.

Outside of his professional work, Dick was curious and engaged with the world around him. He was an avid researcher who enjoyed learning about a wide range of subjects, including Eastern medicine, history, and investing. He enjoyed working on home improvement projects and spending time in his garden. He was also an enthusiastic cook who loved preparing meals for his family and hosting and cooking for friends. He enjoyed good food, particularly chocolate, seafood, and beef. In his leisure time, he enjoyed watching Chinese drama series and action movies. Above all, Dick was very affectionate and treasured time spent with his family and friends and especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren.

Faith was also an important part of Dick’s life. He was most recently a member of the Chinese Bible Church of Greater Lowell and valued his connection with the church community. Prior to that, he was an active member of the Detroit Chinese Bible Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Dick and Constance built their life and family together over more than five decades of marriage. They were blessed with three children: Levi Leong, Francis (Manuela) Leong, and Janet (Jeff) Petrowicz; and four grandchildren: Isabella, Maxwell, Vivienne, and Nathanael. Dick took great joy in being a husband, father, and grandfather.

Dick was one of seven children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Francisco and Ho-Man (Chan) Leong; his brother, Dr. Patrick Y. Leung; and his sisters, Yok Ling (Elaine) Ho and Juliana Apple Leung. He is survived by his sisters Claire Pullin of Plymouth, United Kingdom; Cecilia (Arthur) Yuen of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada; and Perpetua (K.Y.) So of Auckland, New Zealand, as well as his extended family and many loved ones.

Dick will be remembered and deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.