Norman Gee Sui

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Norman Gee Sui, who passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Norman lived a life defined by perseverance, service, leadership, humility, and love. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, respected educator, accomplished athlete, and cherished friend. Throughout his life, he inspired countless people through his kindness, integrity, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.

Born in China, Norman immigrated to the United States as a young child with his family. They first settled in Locke, California, one of the nation’s oldest Chinese American communities, where he learned the values of hard work, resilience, family, and community that would guide him throughout his life. The family later moved to San Jose before eventually making their home in San Francisco, where Norman would spend most of his life building lifelong friendships, raising his family, and serving his community.

Norman was the beloved husband of Ada, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and devotion. Together they built a close-knit family that became the center of his world.

He was the proud father of Terri (Darrell), Michael (Carol), Steven (Cindy), and Gerald (Kelly). Nothing brought Norman greater joy than watching his family grow and flourish. He was also the proud grandfather of Alyssa, CJ, Taylor, Kendall, Bryana, Madison, Dylan, Gabriela, and Averie, and the cherished great-grandfather of Kolby and Zuri. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him endless pride, laughter, and happiness.

Growing up in San Francisco, Norman developed a passion for basketball that would become a defining part of his life. He was one of the early members of the San Francisco Chinese Saints basketball team, helping establish a proud tradition within the Chinese American community. His talent earned him a place on the Saints’ traveling teams, which competed against outstanding teams throughout the United States while proudly representing San Francisco’s Chinese American community. He later continued his basketball career at San Francisco State University, where he further demonstrated the teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship that would characterize his life.

Basketball remained a lifelong passion. The friendships he built through the game lasted for decades, and he took great pride in the legacy of the Chinese Saints. Later in life, he was honored to share his memories and experiences in a documentary preserving the history of the San Francisco Chinese Saints basketball program, ensuring that this important chapter of Chinese American sports history would be remembered by future generations.

Norman dedicated his professional life to education and to helping young people realize their fullest potential. He began his career as a Physical Education teacher at Luther Burbank Middle School, where his enthusiasm for athletics and mentoring students quickly became evident. He later served as Dean of Boys at Marina Middle School before becoming Principal of Francisco Junior High School in San Francisco.

As an educator and administrator, Norman earned the respect and admiration of students, parents, teachers, and colleagues alike. He believed every student deserved encouragement, opportunity, discipline, and someone who believed in them. His fairness, compassion, integrity, and steady leadership left a lasting impression on generations of students and educators throughout the San Francisco Unified School District.

Away from his professional life, Norman appreciated the simple pleasures that brought family and friends together. He loved fishing, target shooting, and taking road trips to Lake Tahoe, where he enjoyed the outdoors, shared stories, and created treasured memories with those he loved.

Above all else, Norman was devoted to his family. He was a patient listener, a trusted advisor, a humble leader, and a constant source of encouragement. His gentle nature, wisdom, generosity, and quiet confidence earned him the admiration and respect of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Norman is survived by his beloved wife, Ada; his children, Terri (Darrell), Michael (Carol), Steven (Cindy), and Gerald (Kelly); his nine beloved grandchildren, Alyssa, CJ, Taylor, Kendall, Bryana, Madison, Dylan, Gabriela, and Averie; his two cherished great-grandchildren, Kolby and Zuri; his brother, Tommy; extended family; lifelong friends; former colleagues; countless former students; and the many athletes and community members whose lives he touched.

Norman’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the students he inspired, the athletes he mentored, and the community he faithfully served. His life reminds us that true success is measured not by titles or accomplishments, but by the lives we touch, the values we pass on, and the love we share with others.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

“A life well lived is measured not by the years, but by the lives it touched.”