Oscar Peter Wong

Oscar Peter Wong, beloved husband, father, friend, mentor, leader, passed away peacefully at home in Asheville, North Carolina on May 25, 2025, at 84.

He was full of gratitude for a life experience that was in all ways better than he ever dreamed. Born in Jamaica to Chinese parents, Oscar lived with his parents and five siblings in a modest house above their small grocery shop. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 18 to attend the University of Notre Dame. He enjoyed a career in engineering and started his own company, specializing in safety for the nuclear industry. At 55, he began a new chapter by founding Highland Brewing, Asheville’s first brewery since Prohibition.

In 2012, Oscar was named the North Carolina “Person of the Year” by the US Small Business Administration. He received the national Brewers Association’s Recognition Award in 2020. More recently, in 2023, he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

But awards meant less to him than his deep commitment to community service. He was a longtime Rotarian, highlighted by his eight trips to Honduras to assist with dental and vision health. For 12 years, he served as Board President of the ARC of Buncombe County, an organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He served others with a humble spirit, valuing every person he met.

Oscar is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alma (Anna) Wong; daughter Leah Wong Ashburn and son-in-law Brock Ashburn, daughter Nicole Wong, sister Norma Shek, sister Olive Alonge and brother-in-law Michael Alonge.

A public celebration of life will be held at Highland Brewing beginning at noon on Sunday, June 29, 2025. For more information visit highlandbrewing.com/events.

In lieu of flowers, Oscar requested donations by made to either the ARC of Buncombe County (www.arcofbuncombecounty.org) or to the Four Seasons Foundation, 211 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 27892.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.