The Rev. Frank Atherton Hua Peng Chong devoted his life to helping society's neglected and forgotten people.

The Honolulu-born United Church of Christ minister, former executive director of Waikiki Health Center and most recently government and community relations manager of AlohaCare died Sunday at The Queen's Medical Center at age 63.

"His abiding passion in life was social justice," Sherry Chong said of her husband of nearly 33 years. "He cared for those who had little and needed much. He was a kind, compassionate and caring person and his life speaks for itself."

As executive director of Waikiki Health Center from 1977-2002, Chong expanded the outreach service focus of the center to include the homeless, runaway youths, frail and isolated elderly, people with limited or no health insurance, and those infected with sexually transmitted diseases.

Chong was a member of the founding board of AlohaCare in 1994 and served as a director until 2002. In 2003, he joined AlohaCare as its manager of government and community relations.

AlohaCare chief executive officer John McComas described Chong as "the voice of Hawai'i's most fragile and vulnerable citizens. He was the conscience of our community."

Chong earned a degree in sociology, master's in social work, and certificate in public administration from the University of Hawai'i. He received his master's in divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Survivors include his wife Sherry; mother Pearl; sisters Barbara Jeanne Gossard, Elly Chong, Joy Chong Stannard, and nephews and nieces.

His service is Wednesday at Central Union Church's main sanctuary at 5 p.m. No flowers. Arrangements by Nuuanu Memorial Park and Mortuary.