David Pai

1936 - 2016

David Hsien-Chung Pai, 80, of Davidson, NC, died Saturday morning, July 23, at the Levine-Dickson Hospice House. He was born January 7, 1936 in Guilin, China, the son of General Pai Chung-Hsi, the Chief of Staff in the Revolutionary Army that overthrew the last dynasty, and later, Minister of National Defense for Chiang Kai Shek. His mother was Ma P'ei-Chang. David was the seventh of ten children, and he had six brothers and three sisters. He immigrated to the United States in 1952.

The military was a strong influence in his life. He graduated from LaSalle Military Academy in 1954, and was a 1958 graduate of Virginia Military Institute. Pai received his Master's degree in 1960 from Lehigh University, and a PhD. in 1965 from New York University. He worked his entire 41-year career at Foster Wheeler Corporation, an engineering firm, and retired in 2001 as President and CEO of Foster Wheeler Development Corporation.

He authored or co-authored more than 50 papers, edited two books, and holds four patents. He was Vice President and a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1994, one of the highest honors conferred on engineers. His tenure at Foster Wheeler included achievements in nuclear research and component design, and he contributed to the DOE Clean Coal Technology Design.

In 1985 he led a group of engineers to China with the People to People Citizen Ambassador Program begun by President Eisenhower for the purpose of technical exchange. David was recommended as the leader by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for his work in the Pressure Vessel and Piping Division of the ASME.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Pai enjoyed golf, tennis, was a scholar in Chinese history, and an avid follower of current events. He followed his beloved New York Giants football team, the New York Knicks, and the Duke University Basketball Program. He was an avid and excellent bridge player. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren, and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dr. Anna Chao Pai; two sons, Ben Pai and wife Susan of Charlotte, and Michael Pai and wife Dr. Katherine Noonan of Portland, Oregon; one sister, Diana Hsieh of Pittsboro, NC, two brothers, Kenneth and Albert, both of Taiwan, and four grandchildren: Leanna, Keith, Aidan, and Nathan. He is sorely missed by all.

Interment will be at Ferncliff Cemetary in Hartsdale, New York.

James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com