Ernie Y. Chiu Covid-19 Fund

It is with a heavy heart and great sorrow that we share the news of Ernie Chiu’s untimely death. Ernie, 59 years old, tragically left this world and his beloved family on April 7th, 2020 due to complications related to COVID-19. Ernie was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and is survived by his wife Janice, son Daniel, daughter Kimberly, his sisters Josephine, Mei, Mui, Lisa, Kelly, and many nephews and nieces.

If you knew Ernie, you would know that he was dedicated first to his family and second to his work with over 30 years of service as a Verizon employee. He was a devoted husband and willing to do anything for Janice without hesitation. Ernie rarely went on vacation and we often asked him to enjoy life. His response as always was “I have to sacrifice to take care of my family”.  As the primary income producer, he felt it was his sole burden to ensure that his family was provided for. Rather than making future plans to retire as many people his age would do, he continued to focus on work because he was concerned with paying tuition for his children’s college education. He loved Daniel and Kimberly so much and was so proud of them. He didn’t limit their school choices so he could retire. Instead, he gave them the freedom to pursue their dreams.

When Ernie first got sick, he said he caught it at work and that the rest of his family subsequently became ill. He was told to recover at home. Two weeks ago, unable to breathe and walk, an ambulance took him to the Queens hospital ER. He was ultimately transferred to a hospital in the Bronx without the family's knowledge and placed on a ventilator. We prayed and hoped for a quick recovery. He bravely fought for his life but sadly lost the fight. During that period, due to hospital policies, his family was unable to see or talk to him. Ernie passed away alone without the presence of his loved ones.  His family is beyond devastated. 

The media and government may count Ernie as one out of thousands of other COVID-19 deaths. To us, he is not a statistic, but a selfless and dedicated man as well as a warm and gentle soul. We will forever be honored that he was in our lives and remember the laughter that he filled in our hearts. We are proud to call him husband, father, brother, uncle, friend.

 In response to the show of support and request from Ernie's friends and coworkers, my sisters and I set up this Gofundme page for financial contributions that will go directly to his wife and children to help with college tuition, funeral expenses, medical expenses, etc.