Chai Chin Suh

Chai Chin Suh, 95, of Wyomissing, passed away after a brief hospitalization at Reading Hospital on Friday, August 11, 2023, with his loving family at his bedside. This was his first hospitalization. He was the cherished husband of Youngsun Suh, to whom he was married for over 65 years.

Dr. Suh was born in Korea, the eldest of seven children. He graduated with his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Seoul National University. In the mid 1950s, he traveled to the U.S. to complete his master's degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota. Subsequently, in the late 1960s, Dr. Suh and his family immigrated to the U.S. where he earned his doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan under a U.S. educational fellowship grant.

His prestigious career began in Korea where he worked as a professor of Mechanical Engineering at Seoul National University (SNU) Engineering School. After he immigrated to the United States as a student to pursue his graduate studies, he began a fulfilling career, starting as an engineering consultant, then a partner of an engineering consulting firm, culminating in a position as the Chief Technology & Science Advisor at an international Korean Heavy Industries corporation.

While he was a faculty member at SNU, he was commissioned to serve as Head of the Rocket Research & Development Division of the Korean Defense Ministry Science Research Institute. Under his leadership, the first rocket was successfully launched in South Korea in the summer of 1959 in the presence of the first president, Syngman Rhee. It was a landmark event in Korean history. He is very proud of his achievement in the early development of rocket technology in South Korea. This was his contribution to South Korea in space science and technology.

Dr. Suh served as the 19th President of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA), a leadership role he passionately held and an organization in which he continued to be an active member. During his tenure, he was invited as a distinguished award recipient by the South Korean government in honor of Koreans who made significant contributions toward the country's development in science and technology.

For the first time in KSEA history, he provided forums for the younger generation involved with science and engineering in the local areas of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, hoping to see what they were seeking for and what they could offer to an organization such as KSEA. Under his leadership, KSEA expanded the forum participants from the three local areas to all KSEA chapters, and KSEA members in the D.C. area were able to provide a few internship opportunities.

Many students were inspired by Dr. Suh's great passion for mathematics, and he took great joy in mentoring students. Dr. Suh published an essay entitled "Mathematics and Me" in a KSEA newsletter to explain how he had developed his life-long passion for mathematics.

Dr. Suh was an avid and consistent golfer, a scratch player into his 80s, even winning the longest drive over golfers half his age. He remained physically active his entire life. His spiritual life was just as important. He served as an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Reading, now known as Park Road Presbyterian Church.

Left to treasure Dr. Suh's memory are his wife, Youngsun, and their daughters Vivian (Douglas), Jacqueline, and Janette (Leonard). He is also survived by his loving grandchildren: Alexander, and Julie and Benjamin; several brothers and one sister; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a memorial fund in Dr. Chai Chin Suh's memory, which will go toward an academic scholarship through the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA). Please use this Link to donate to the Scholarship Fund.

A memorial service for Dr. Chai Chin Suh will be held on September 9th at Park Road Presbyterian Church, 1045 N. Park Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610 at 11:00 am (10:15 am visitation). Please use the "watch webcast" link in the posted service details to access the Livestream from Park Road Church's YouTube feed, which will begin at approximately 10:45 am.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.