Shu Shu Yang

Shu Shu Yang, Ph.D. (1934–2026)

Shu Shu Yang, Ph.D., passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, with his son and daughter by his side. He was 91 years old.

Born in Taiwan in 1934, Shu Shu was the third son among eleven children. Growing up in a large family of modest means, he learned from a young age the importance of hard work, perseverance, and education. Scholarships and educational opportunities helped shape the course of his life and instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for learning.

Shu Shu earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry from the renowned National Taiwan University. He played basketball for the university, a sport he would love throughout his life. After completing his undergraduate studies, he served in the military, where he continued to play basketball while developing the discipline and determination that would characterize his approach to life. Upon returning to National Taiwan University as a graduate teaching assistant, he met Grace Yang, an undergraduate student in his Organic Chemistry class. What began as a shared interest in science blossomed into a lifelong partnership.

In the mid-1960s, they came to the United States to further their passion for science. Shu Shu earned a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Chicago and completed postdoctoral research at MIT. He and Grace married in 1966, beginning a lifelong partnership built on mutual respect, shared ambition, and unwavering support that would last more than 56 years.

The Yangs eventually settled in New Jersey, where Shu Shu spent most of his professional career as a research chemist at Merck. During his years there, he contributed to the development of important pharmaceutical advances, including cholesterol-lowering statins and Proscar, and was awarded more than a dozen patents for his scientific work.

While proud of his professional accomplishments, Shu Shu was first and foremost devoted to his family. When Grace decided to return to medical school at age 39, he wholeheartedly supported her dream, taking on much of the responsibility of raising their young children while she pursued her medical training. After a distinguished career in research and innovation, Shu Shu took early retirement before the age of 60.

Those who knew Shu Shu remember him as kind, generous, intellectually curious, and quietly determined. He approached life with both scientific rigor and common sense. Having experienced hardship as a young man, he never forgot the importance of education and took great pride in helping and encouraging others to reach their potential.

In retirement, he pursued a long-standing interest in investing, applying the same analytical mindset that had guided his scientific career. He also remained a devoted basketball fan. From his days as a player at National Taiwan University and in the military to his final months cheering on the New York Knicks, basketball remained a lifelong passion.

Shu Shu was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dr. Grace Yang, who passed away in December 2022.

He is survived by his son, Dr. George Yang; his daughter, Jean Liu; and six cherished grandchildren: Alex, Andy, Gavin, Cameron, Emma, and Dylan. He also leaves behind extended family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, encouragement, and love.

He will be remembered for his devotion to family, his contributions to science, his belief in education, and the kindness, humility, and quiet strength with which he lived his life.

Visitation will be held from 8:30AM to 9:15AM Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 E. Main St., Bridgewater, NJ 08807 with a 9:15AM funeral service. Cremation will be held privately with the family.

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