Thomas Y. Hsiang PhD

Thomas Y. Hsiang, PhD, passed away peacefully February 12, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, on October 6, 1948, he was the son of Kuanchuu Hwang and the late Chinhu Hsiang. He was predeceased by his sister Jean Hsu, his first wife Shiling, and his daughter Tienyi. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Joy Witt; his children Tienjan Hsiang (Brigit) and Natalie Hsiang; his stepchildren Sarah Stoos (Jason) and Brian Witt; and his grandchildren Hudson Stoos and Gabrielle Hsiang. He is also remembered by his siblings Lee Hsiang, Nienhwa Jennings (Rodney), and Jieh Hsiang (Huamo).

Professor Hsiang earned a BS from National Taiwan University (1970) and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley (1977). After positions at Ames Laboratory and the Illinois Institute of Technology, he joined the University of Rochester in 1981 as an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and served there until his retirement in 2017.

Over a distinguished career, he excelled in research, teaching, and service. A pioneer in superconducting electronics, silicon and III-V compound devices, and terahertz transmission lines, he authored more than 150 journal articles and several book chapters and delivered over 30 invited international talks. His innovations in picovolt and sub-picosecond measurement techniques advanced experimental physics, and he was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society-one of the youngest recipients of that honor.

As an educator he taught broadly in electronics and electromagnetics and created inventive curricula, including "Microelectronics for Future CEOs," to bring engineering concepts to social science and humanities students. He was recognized for teaching excellence by Tau Beta Pi and received the inaugural PhD Thesis Service Award at the University of Rochester.

Beyond academia, Thomas was a global leader in promoting the game of Go. He served as Vice President of the International Go Federation and Secretary General of the International Mind Sports Association, organized numerous international competitions, and founded the Iwamoto North American Foundation (INAF), the largest Go philanthropic organization outside Asia. His efforts secured long-term support for Go in North America and worldwide. Honors included the American Go Association's Edward Lasker Award, a commendation from the Japanese Foreign Minister, and the Baron Okura Prize in 2026.

Thomas had a lifelong love of the arts, most deeply expressed through music. He contributed his rich bass to choirs throughout Rochester, including singing with his wife Joy in the Eastman-Rochester Chorus and Taiwanese Choral Society of Rochester.

Thomas found his greatest joy in family and faith. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, his Christian faith shaped a life of humility, kindness, and service. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, students, and the global Go community.

Family and friends are invited to call on FRIDAY, February 20, from 4-7PM at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services (3325 Winton Rd S). His Memorial Service will be held SATURDAY, February 21, at 3PM at the Rochester Chinese Christian Church (1524 Jackson Road, Penfield, NY 14526).