Rev. Clinton Evan Chu

Rev. Clinton Evan Chu, 87, of Middletown, Connecticut passed away peacefully on January 24, 2023 to join the Eternal Kingdom of God in Heaven.  He was the beloved husband of Shirley (Singh) Chu for over 59 years and the devoted father to daughters Sharon Chu and Sandy (Chu) Sponzo.

Born on March 12, 1935, in New Amsterdam, Guyana, South America, he was the eldest of three sons to the late Cyril S. Chu and Esther Kim Ho-You.  He was a graduate of Wittenberg University and Hamma Divinity School in Springfield, Ohio and was ordained in 1960 as a Lutheran minister in the United Lutheran Church in America.

Clinton’s career as a Lutheran minister spanned over 37 years serving in the following parishes: St. John’s Lutheran (Oahu, Hawaii), St Mark’s Lutheran (Portland, Oregon), Lutheran Church in Guyana (multiple parishes), St. Thomas Lutheran (Jamaica, New York), St. Peter’s and St. John’s Lutheran (Luthersburg, Pennsylvania), Prince of Peace (Altoona, Pennsylvania), St. Luke, Cassville, and Mount Zion (Mount Union, Pennsylvania), St. Peter’s and St. John’s Lutheran (Milroy, Pennsylvania).

Clinton’s passion for serving the Lord was evident in all that he did and he touched the lives of many, both in active ministry and in retirement.  His grace, compassion and cheerful smile greeted everyone who came in contact with him.  He provided inspiration, joy and comfort to all who came to know him.  His passion for ministry was only matched by his love and dedication for his family.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.  In addition to his wife, Shirley, and daughters, Sharon of Durham, CT and Sandy of Windsor, CT, he is survived by his son-in-laws Michael P. Giardina and Michael J. Sponzo, grandson Michael E. Sponzo and nephew, Brian Chu.  He is predeceased by his brothers Dr. Aubrey Chu (Ardsley, New York) and Hector Chu (Yonkers, New York).

The family would like to thank all of Clinton’s doctors, nurses, and care professionals who took such tremendous care of him especially during the last year of his life.  He and the family were especially grateful for the excellent care and compassion provided by Hartford HealthCare Heart and Vascular Institute, Middlesex Hospital, and the Connecticut Oncology Group.

A celebration of Clinton’s life is planned for February 11, 2023 at 10:30 am at Zion Lutheran Church, 183 Williams Street in Portland, Connecticut with Rev. Sara Stall-Ryan officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Zion Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 202, 183 William St, Portland, CT.  To share a memory or leave condolences, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Clinton Evan Chu, please visit our floral store.