Remembering Charles Wang

Philanthropist, Buisnessman and Islanders minority owner, Charles B. Wang passed away today.

Wang, 74, was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. The official cause of his death has not been disclosed at this time. (Lung Cancer)

A Long Island icon, Charles Wang founded CA Technologies and was the former majority owner of our New York Islanders. Wang was the only reason the team still calls New York home from the time he purchased the storied franchise in 2000 through the lease deal in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center. Wang made it a point to keep the sacred storied logo, colors of the team and wanted to maintain the identity of the Island and their championship tradition.

“Wang was born in Shanghai, China, on Aug. 19, 1944, and moved to the United States with his family at the age of 8. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School and graduated from Queens College with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and physics. In 2015, he received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Stony Brook University.

He built and donated the Charles B. Wang Center at Stony Brook University to celebrate Asian and American cultures. The $40 million center, which opened in 2002, was at the time the recipient of the largest donation from an individual to the SUNY system.”

The crusade of Charles Wang to develop the Coliseum hub and create a destination for the team is well documented. He maintained ownership while losing money from inheriting a bad partnership with SMG management and always did his best to try and revive a struggling team without knowing much about the world of NHL hockey. He even sponsored teams, tournaments and helped gain greater exposure for the game of hockey in China.

"We want to make the New York Islanders the world-class sports franchise that our community deserves, wants and needs," Wang said in April of 2000. "This is no easy task." - Newsday

In 2016, Wang remained with the organization as minority owner behind new ownership headed by Scott Malkin and John Ledecky. Wang was the champion fans of the team needed at the time he stepped up and became a part of the team’s future in New York.

"He treasured his association with the team and its devoted fans.’ the statement from Wang's family said of his relationship with the Islanders.

Wang is survived by his wife Nancy Li; children Kimberly, Jasmine and Cameron; his mother, Mary; brothers, Anthony and Francis; grandchildren, Charles, Kingsley and Kendall; and his nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth.” -Newsday

The Charles B. Wang International Foundation has directed his philanthropic efforts since 2008. He seemed to always care about children all over the world who didn’t have the means or opportunity for healthcare, surgery and he made it his mission to provide the help he was able to provide.

“He founded the nonprofit Smile Train in 1999, which has provided more than 1 million free cleft surgeries to children in more than 85 developing countries. In 2001, he established the New York Islanders Children's Foundation and supported the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center to expand delivery of affordable health care in New York City.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children named its headquarters for Wang. He also supported the Kenneth Wang School of Law at Suzhou University, named for his father, and other charities.” - Newsday

Thank you Mr. Wang.

R.I.P.