George Kuang-Chi Hu

George Kuang-Chi Hu, 81, longtime resident of Rochester, died unexpectedly on May 25, 2014, after a brief illness.  

He was born Feb. 12, 1933, in Beijing, China, to Meng-Hua Hu and Shu-Tsen Wu. He was a graduate of National Taiwan University and came to the University of Minnesota for graduate studies in electrical engineering in 1958. He worked at IBM his entire career, first in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., then in Rochester.  He was best known professionally for his pioneering work with the Mayo Clinic computerizing ECG interpretation. Published in 1973, he was the first non-MD author on a Mayo Proceedings.  He was married twice - first to May Tong in 1956 until her death in 1970, then to Theresa Shih in 1971.

George is survived by his wife, Theresa; son, Michael (Michele); daughter, Jennifer; granddaughters, Rosa and Susanna; two brothers, Kuang-Qi and Kuang-Jeou; two sisters, Kuang-Min and Kuang-Chung; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, May; and infant son, Ying-Tian; and a brother, Kuang-Zee.

George was a lifelong aficionado of music and art. He often traveled to Minneapolis and Chicago to attend cultural events. He was an avid sports fan and played basketball at National Taiwan University.

He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends for his generosity, free spirit and optimism.  A cousin once described George as living three days-worth of life for every one day. His hearty belly laugh will live on in the memories of those who were close to him.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church in Rochester, with visitation from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery will follow the funeral luncheon.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.