Submit a PhotoWith great sorrow and eternal gratitude, we announce the passing of Ernie Ong Seto (司徒梓洲 Sītú zǐ zhōu), age 88. He is a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Ernie left us on January 24, 2025, with his family lovingly by his side, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and hard work.
He was born on October 13, 1936, in Canton, China, as the fifth of nine children. At the age of sixteen, he immigrated to Superior, Arizona, beginning his new life by working at his sister’s grocery store, where he gained his passion for entrepreneurship. At the age of twenty-two, Ernie joined the Army National Guard and served as a Staff Sergeant.
His next chapter began when he returned to Hong Kong in search of a wife. Ernie spotted Helen at a bus stop. Destiny brought them together when their eyes locked and at that moment he knew she was the one. They were married in Hong Kong on April 1, 1960, leading to a romance spanning over 6 decades. Ernie often joked “he would have been a ‘fool’ not to have married Helen.”
After three weeks of marriage, Ernie returned to the US while Helen remained in Hong Kong. Their eight-year separation created a bittersweet chapter in their love story. When Helen reunited with Ernie, they started their family in Superior. In 1973, Ernie and Helen moved to Winslow, Arizona, with their three young daughters. He achieved his dream by owning Public Market and several restaurants such as Church’s Chicken.
He took immense pride in raising five children, all of whom graduated from the University of Arizona. His unwavering dedication to their education and personal growth stands as a testament to his commitment to their futures. Ernie’s legacy is reflected in the accomplishments and independence of his children, a direct result of his nurturing guidance and support.
He was deeply committed to the Winslow community, actively serving as a member of the Winslow Rotary, including a term as president in 1989. He was known as a man who valued
everyone, never hesitating to help someone in need.
They moved to Chandler to be near the family and to enjoy a much-deserved retirement, embracing the next chapter filled with warmth and relaxation.
Ernie’s memory lives on in the hearts of his wife Helen, five children: April (Kai Fan), Tammy, Dawn (Fred Bakun), Andy, and Sandra and 10 grandchildren: Kyle and Andre Fan; Tiana, Troy, Tyler, and Tiffani Bradford; Ethan and Emily Bakun; and Milana and Mason Wernsman.
Ernie’s kindness, dedication and selfless commitment will be remembered by those who knew him, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 pm on February 22, 2025, at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297.
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Condolences to all Family. He will be missed
Helen and Ernie were Winslow Treasures. I was my honor to know them. Rest in peace my friend.
My memories of Ernie and Helen come flooding back as I hear of his passing. I met Ernie in 1980, and was a fellow Rotarian for many years. We shared celebrations together with Rotary Picnics at Clear Creek ( with Ernie furnishing the wonderful aged steaks and Quince Rhoton cooking them to perfection), Christmas Party’s, and weekly meetings on Wednesdays at a the Kretsedemas brothers Falcon Restaurant. From my office, I could walk down the alley and be at Public Market in minutes to talk with Helen at the counter or Ernie back at the butcher counter. If you were there at noon, you could smell the Chinese food cooking in the back, because they didn’t close for lunch. I remember Robert
Sanchez working there, and Mac Ruiz, who learned how to cook wonderful meals in a Woc there. Ernie always had a smile and a kind word for me. Thank you Ernie for wonderful memories .
I went to school with Dawn, and worked for Ernie and Helen at Church’s Chicken. Condolences to the Seto family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ernie was a good friend and fellow business owner who had a sense of humor and wit seldom seen. He was a Great Guy and raised a very successful and intelligent family. My deepest condolences to the entire family during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry Seto family and kids , Ernie gave me my 1st job as a freshman and learned alot from him and his employees, I know he helped alot of people of all nationalities, he was most popular by native Americans culture from Navajo & Hopi reservations
I put all that ge taught me to continue my work for Bashas & Walmart, everything ge taught me was instrumental through years of my work. Thank you Ernie Seto and family you were all so awesome, I know my dad probably met Ernie in heaven
God bless you all Seto family and you are definitely in our prayers
Condolences to the family, he was a great friend, I met Ernie when Andy was playing baseball and our friendship grew from there, he will be greatly missed by his friends in Winslow,Az
My deepest condolences to to Helen and family. Ernie Seto will be greatly missed by my family as we knew Helen and Ernie at public market and church’s chicken
He has reunited with my late grandparents King and Leona Naha,my parents Need and Josephine Zeena ( Naha) and many Hopi and and Navajo elders in heaven Ernie Seto you were a polite gentle loving man,spread those wings and fly Ernie,our bright beautiful Angel , always loved and will never be forgotten, Rest in Glory Ernie Seto can’t say goodbye because one day we will reunite again with our heavenly father our Lord Savior Helen we miss you and love you and the family
Condolences to the entire Seto family. I was Ernie’s hearing provider. He always had a smile on his face when he came in for his cleanings. He was so appreciative and kind! I will miss his sweet smile.
Condolences to the Seto Family
Mr. Seto was very kind to our family. The Breeze family holds him in high regard. May his family be comforted to know that he is greatly admired.
My condolences go out to the Seto family. I have very fond memories of the Seto family. He was a great role model for my brother Raymond! He was a very generous man to all of the Winslow community!! I think all my siblings worked for the Seto family , if not Public Market, Churches Fried Chicken. He will be missed!! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family!
Love,
Andrea (Loera) Galvan