Dr. Tze Chao November 10, 1934 – September 25, 2025

Dr. Tze Chao, of Newark, Delaware, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born on November 10, 1934, in Huai-Yin, Jiangsu, China, to the late Dee Chao and Yi-Xian Chou.

Tze was born in China during the Japanese occupation and came of age amid the hardships of World War II. When the communist forces took control, he and his family fled to Taiwan, where they began a new chapter of life. In Taiwan, Tze pursued his undergraduate studies and served honorably in the military before coming to the United States to further his education.

He attended Pennsylvania State University, where he earned both his Master’s degree in Mining and his Ph.D. in Mineral Engineering. It was also at Penn State that he met the love of his life, Chi Hsia, who would become his devoted wife and lifelong companion.

Tze went on to have a distinguished career as a chemist at DuPont, where his intellect, dedication, and curiosity contributed to advancements in science and technology.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tze was deeply proud of his cultural heritage and committed to sharing it with others. As a founding member of the Chinese American Community Center, he helped foster cultural understanding and connection. A Tai Chi Master and teacher, he shared the art’s grace, discipline, and philosophy with countless students. Tze also found joy in photography and had a lifelong appreciation for Chinese cuisine.

Tze is survived by his beloved wife, Chi Hsia Chao; loving daughters, Lynn Chao (Steve) and Faye Chao (Greer); cherished granddaughters, Claire Meder and Elyse Meder; and his brother, Jim Chao. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. at R. T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 West Main Street, Newark, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chinese American Community Center, honoring Tze’s lifelong dedication to culture, education, and community.

He will be remembered for his wisdom, humility, and the quiet strength with which he approached every chapter of life.