Carlito M. Kong

Carlito Maristela Kong (King Kong), 80, of Mason, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born to Li Man and Gloria (née Maristela) Kong on September 16, 1943 in Masbate Philippines.

Carlito graduated from Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila Philippines, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He immigrated to the United States in 1970, and began working at General Motors as an Associate Engineer in 1972. During his successful career he was awarded multiple patents, and he held many positions including Product, Research, and Development Engineer, Industrial Engineer, and Senior Project Engineer. Carlito was respected and loved by his coworkers. He was known for his willingness to help a colleague in need; for random acts of kindness, like buying lunches for the technicians; for working hard, day and night; or for simply brightening everyone’s day with his ever-present smile and warmth.

Carlito loved to run. He loved to exercise. And he really loved to cook. For Carlito, cooking was love, and he was an amazing cook. His wonderful dishes brought family and friends together. So much happiness was shared over his food. Carlito loved meeting people- he could strike up a conversation with anyone. He also loved saving money; there was no bargain he could resist, no price he couldn't haggle down.

Carlito loved and was loved by his many friends- some of whom he had known all his life- and he gave freely of his time, his advice, financial assistance, and always his warmth and humor. Above all, Carlito loved his family. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, brother, son, and friend. He supported so many of us along the way: when we needed a firm but caring hand to grow up, when we looked for a new job, when we needed a roof over our heads, when we needed something warm to eat, when we needed a little extra money, when we needed a good laugh, when we needed a shoulder to lean on. For all of these times and more, Carlito was there.

There will only ever be one King Kong, one beautiful person of such loyalty, affability, generosity, and love. We are all lucky to have known him. He is so sorely missed.

His memory lives on and is cherished in the heart of his wife Maria; his children James (Valerie), Rodrigo (Yoko), and Elisa (Mitch); his grandchildren Sebastian, Akira, Francesca, and Madeline; his siblings Celeste, Orando, Susana, Mime, Luz, Roberto, and Victor; his many nephews and nieces; his large extended family; and his many friends.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, January 12th from 10:00am to 11:00am, followed by a Funeral Mass from 11:00am to 12:00pm, both at St. Susanna Catholic Church, 616 Reading Road, Mason, OH 45040. Inurnment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.