Peter Wiley Tong

Peter Wiley Tong, 65, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah Tong; his sons, Michael, Jeffrey, and Peter, their respective spouses, children, and grandchildren; his sisters and their families; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Born on September 29, 1960, in Hialeah, Florida, Peter was a proud Floridian whose life was rooted in hard work, service, and family. Growing up around his family's restaurants, he learned early the value of dedication and the simple joy of bringing people together over a good meal. Those lessons stayed with him throughout his life.

Peter dedicated much of his career to serving his community. He began in law enforcement working for the Department of Corrections in Pok City, FL before joining the Auburndale Police Department and later the Bartow Police Department, where he continued his commitment to protecting and serving others. After retiring from law enforcement, he continued serving his community as a bus driver for Polk County Public Schools.

To those who knew him best, Peter was fiercely loyal, incredibly determined, and wonderfully stubborn. He had a larger-than-life personality and a way of filling every room with laughter, stories, and spirited conversation. His home became the gathering place for the Tong family, where countless memories were made around a crowded table filled with good food, loud conversations, and even louder laughter. He had a remarkable gift for bringing multiple generations of family together, reminding everyone that no matter how busy life became, there was always room for one more chair at his table.

Peter was a fighter until the very end. His strength, resilience, and unwavering love for his family will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known him. While his chair at the table may now be empty, the traditions, memories, and love he created will continue to bring his family together for generations to come.