Viroch Techavalitpongse

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Viroch “Joe” Techavalitpongse. He passed at his home surrounded by his family on August 14, 2026 at the age of 81 in Las Vegas. He will be remembered for his smile, his warmth, and his generosity touched family, friends, and neighbors.

Viroch was born on February 27, 1945 in Bangkok, Thailand. He was the youngest of nine children. He graduated from Assumption Commercial College in 1967 and worked for a year at Bangkok Metropolitan Bank. In 1968, Viroch emigrated from Thailand to the United States. He graduated from California College of Commerce in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California College of Commerce. An opportunity arose and he moved from Long Beach, California to Las Vegas, Nevada to work at Caesar’s Palace. For the next 40+ years, he dazzled and entertained countless tourists and the occasional celebrity with his charming smile, easy-going demeanor and delicious cooking as a teppanyaki chef at Ah’So Japanese Steak House which later rebranded as Hyakumi.

Viroch was loving and devoted to his family. He married Sandy in 1973 and they remained together until her passing in 2018. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Vasanar Pongpaibuntanung; his children Jackrit, Sylvia, and Julia; and his grandchildren Zebulon and Audrey. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 3rd at 9:00 a.m. at La Paloma Funeral Services in Las Vegas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Buddhist temple Wat Nevadadhammaram through their Zelle at 702-768-8302 or through mail at 12970 Gillespie Street, Henderson, NV 89044. Please know this temple does not have a web page to receive donations.