Daphne Chu Obituary

Daphne Y. F. Chu, age 70, passed away on May 29, 2025, in Hilo, Hawaii.
Daphne was born on March 30, 1955, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey to Victor F. H. Chu and Margaret W. T. Chu and grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware where she attended Concord High School and exhibited an early talent for art and music.
She went on to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with dual majors in Art and American Studies from Yale University. After graduation, she studied at the New York Studio School and the American Center in Paris. She worked on both the east and west coasts as an Art Director and Designer before coming to Hawaii in 1979.
In Honolulu, she founded Daphne Chu Design later becoming partner and co-creative director of Ostrander-Chu in 1985. The marketing, advertising and graphic design firm earned a reputation for its creative, innovative marketing and media planning, garnering numerous Pele, AICP, Ilima, Cleo and national and regional awards for advertising and marketing excellence. In 1989, the American Advertising Association, Chapter 13 honored her as Advertising Woman of the Year. She is a past chapter president and advisory board member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts.
Daphne is survived by her brother Franklin Chu and his son Anthony; her sister Jennifer Chu and brother-in-law Abraham Bleiberg, their children Jonathan and Emily; and stepmother You Yi "Ling" Chu. Daphne was preceded in death by Ronald K. Ostrander, her husband of thirty years.
The family suggests donations to Hawaii Public Radio, an organization that Daphne supported as a KAHU Charter Member, former Board Member and donor for nearly 40 years. Contributions may be made online at https://members.hawaiipublicradio.org.