Alexander K.P. Szeto

   Alexander Szeto arrived in the US in 1968 with the intention of getting a Ph.D. at Boston University.  Having taken the “slow boat” from Hong Kong, as he would fondly recount, he missed the start of the semester and was unable to enroll, setting in motion what became a long and storied career as a Massachusetts based restauranteur and real estate investor.  Surrounded by his loving family and friends, Alexander died on February 24 as the real-life embodiment of the modern American Dream.  He was 83 years old.  

   Starting as a waiter at a Chinese restaurant, Alexander worked his way up to become a partner.  Alexander grew that single foothold into a sprawling enterprise of 8 restaurants across Massachusetts, an endeavor that led to a pivot into real estate development where he helped to revitalize and breathe life into Central Massachusetts and its surrounding area.  By the time he retired, Alexander had significantly increased his family to include the families of long-standing, loyal employees and was awarded the key to the City of Worcester and recognized widely for his contributions to the community at large.  Rising from humble beginnings through integrity and a passion for hard work, Alexander serves as an inspiration to us all. 

   Alexander is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Julie H.L. Szeto, his son Franklin, and his three daughters Anna, Betty and Winnie.  Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Monday, March 4 from 9:00-11:00 AM at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home located at 61 Myrtle Street in Worcester.  A burial ceremony will follow at Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut Street, Newton.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Alexander Szeto to the Nephrology Transplant department of UMASS memorial hospital. https://support.umassmemorial.org/site/Donation

   Alexander’s kindness, generosity, humor, and zest for life will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.  May he rest in peace.