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Simon Sze Obituary
March 21, 1936 - November 6, 2023
Dr. Simon Sze, a visionary in the field of semiconductor physics and technology, and a renowned educator, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2023, at the age of 87. His remarkable life and contributions to the world of electronics and semiconductor devices will be remembered and cherished.
Dr. Sze was born in Nanking, China, and his early life was marked by intellectual curiosity and a passion for science. He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from National Taiwan University, an M.S. at the University of Washington, and went on to complete his Ph.D. at Stanford University, where he made significant contributions to the understanding of electron transport in semiconductor devices. In 1967, Dr. Sze and Dawon Kahng fabricated the world's first floating-gate nonvolatile memory device, which is among the key components used in today's popular consumer technology products and one of the major breakthroughs in semiconductor technology.
Dr. Sze's distinguished career included notable positions at Bell Laboratories and National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan. His groundbreaking work spanned a wide range of areas, including the development of MOSFET technology, semiconductor device physics, and semiconductor device reliability. He was the author of several seminal books, including Physics of Semiconductor Devices, which has become an essential reference in the field and has educated generations of engineers and scientists. He received numerous awards for his outstanding teaching and research, including the Future Science Prize in 2021 and the IEEE EDS J.J. Ebers Award in 1991, which recognized his lifelong contributions to the field.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Therese, his son Raymond and daughter in law Karen, his daughter Julia, his grandchildren Alyssa, Arianna, Ethan and Jake, and his granddogs Coco, Lola, MeiMei, Pepper and Poe.
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Memories and Condolences
for Simon Sze
YTChou
December 18, 2023
I used his writings when I was studying at Jiaotong University and often met him when I passed by for work. I wish his spirit in heaven will continue to promote world peace and development!
Gayatri Natu, India
December 5, 2023
I have dived into Prof. S. m Sze's "Physics of Semiconductor Devices" during multiple phases of my education and career in the last 20 years. A 1969 edition copy of his book given to me as a parting gift by my mentor during his retirement is my most prized possession now, and I still use the book to explain certain concepts to early career professionals in the semiconductor materials domain that I work in.
Jim Handy
November 21, 2023
I had the honor to present Dr. Sze with the Flash Memory Summit Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. We remained in touch after that. Although he was clearly brilliant, he had an ability to connect with people of all levels, and a very positive outlook on life. Goodbye to a gentleman who brought so much to the world of semiconductors.
Qi Ren, Qi Gang & Qi Wei
November 19, 2023
May Dr Sze rest in peace. It was such a shocking news. Our sincere sympathy and condolences to the family members.
Amita Gupta
November 16, 2023
Rest in peace Professor Sze
Your invaluable contributions to semiconductor physics and technology will be remembered for ever.
mina farag
November 16, 2023
Remembering Dr. Simon Sze
It's with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to an icon in semiconductor physics and education, Dr. Simon Sze. His recent passing marks the end of an era in our field. His visionary contributions and groundbreaking work have deeply influenced not only the world of electronics but also countless engineers and scientists, including myself.
Having had the privilege of studying his bible, "Physics of Semiconductor Devices," during my graduate years at Columbia University, I can personally attest to the immense impact of Dr. Sze's teachings. His profound insights shaped my understanding of semiconductor physics and paved the way for my journey in this industry.
His legacy extends far beyond his renowned textbook. Dr. Sze's groundbreaking collaboration in fabricating the world's first floating-gate nonvolatile memory device with Dawon Kahng in 1967 stands as a testament to his pioneering spirit and the foundation of today's consumer technology.
Let's honor his legacy by continuing to push the boundaries of semiconductor technology, inspired by his passion, dedication, and far-reaching contributions. His memory will forever remain a guiding light in our pursuit of innovation.
Rest in peace, Dr. Simon Sze. Thank you for sharing
Farshid Iravani
November 16, 2023
Rest In Peace Dr. Sze, thanks for your contributions.
S Radha
November 16, 2023
Dr. Sze, Thanks for all the contributions, and I still refer the Classic book "Semiconductor Physics", I studied in college 40+ years back--great book. Rest in Peace-
Michael Chi-An Wu
November 14, 2023
Dear Prof. Uncle,
Many years ago, I just realized that I have you this world-class famous scholar relative. Though we were distant relative, still I felt the generosity, kindness and family affection from you. Thank you for sending me your masterpieces with your signature for memories, and also thank you for what you contributed to the world. I and my families do and will miss you for good.
Nicky Lu
November 14, 2023
To Send My Highest Respects to Dr. Simon Sze () and Cherish All Memories with Our Beloved Professor - A Great Teacher on Semiconductor Devices and Technologies for Participants of the Worldwide Semiconductor Industry in the Last 60 Years and in the Future.
As a Distinguished Pioneer and Researcher, he left tremendously valuable assets for us who will carry his legacy forward, including his research results and the best professional book, to continue making discoveries in the semiconductor technology realm.
Nicky Lu, a student in Professor Sze´s 1975 class of National Taiwan University and since then with 48 years dedicated to semiconductor through his introduction and mentoring
Steven Hillenius
November 13, 2023
Simon was a true scholar, gentleman and a pleasure to work with. He not only created some of the most important texts for the semiconductor industry but brought many others to contribute to create a broad library of content for future engineers. We will all miss you.
Steven Hillenius
Hsia Hsia
November 13, 2023
thanks for your contribution! Rest in peace
Qi Xin
November 12, 2023
What an amazing person and a remarkable life! I am truly grateful for his contributions to the family. Dr. Sze will forever be a teacher and role model to me.
Neil Na
November 11, 2023
Thank you for your support and encouragement throughout the years. May you soul rest in peace.
Howard Sun
November 11, 2023
Dr. Sze went back to Taiwan 1st time as a Chair Professor was 1973 at National Taiwan University. He opened his first course "Advanced Semiconductor Physics" for EE graduate students and I was in his class. I can still remember that he was gentle , handsome, and eloquent then. 50 years have passed, how flipping are the days!
Howard Sun, Ph.D, 82, RPI,
BS 71, MS 75, NTUEE, retired, still consulting, and live in Newark , CA
Wen Hwa, Martin Chu
November 11, 2023
,
Dr. Simon Sze has made his own impact to human being.
.
Spencer Gullicksen
November 10, 2023
Incredible visionary for what new science could render. Thank you Dr. Sze.
Dr. Srivatsava Jandhyala
November 10, 2023
Prof. Simon Sze is a blessed soul who could look through and uncover the profound physics of electronic devices. He is a true master who with his classic books continue to enlighten the seekers of device knowledge. He reached back where he belonged.
John Mendonca
November 9, 2023
Outsize influence of Dr. Sze on my career choice. Much appreciated; brilliant and informative.
Monalisa Bora
November 9, 2023
Author of the bible for every student of semiconductor physics. As a third year electrical engineering major at IIT Madras, turning the pages of this textbook and absorbing its brilliantly crafted content, gave purpose and direction to my academic pursuits. More than 30 years later, I´m still deeply involved with semiconductors. Without Dr. SM Sze´s "Physics of Semiconductor Devices", the personal fulfillment of solving really hard problems that support humanity´s 21st century infrastructure would have been absent. So thank you Dr. Sze and may your soul rest in eternal peace.
Kwok Ng
November 9, 2023
Many of us, myself included, would not be at our states without Simon's nurture and influence.
Hamed Fooladvand - PhD, IEEE Member
November 9, 2023
God Bless You... Rest in Peace Great man.
Keith Butler
November 9, 2023
Thank you for your wonderful book, which helped a chemist to think like an electrical engineer - I still return to it always when I need deeper understanding.
Samuel Kim
November 8, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Akkili Viswanath Gowd
November 8, 2023
Rest in peace.
LKMaheshwari Ex-BITS( India)
November 8, 2023
My humble prayers for this great scientist and teacher who had planted the seeds of present day IC Technology.
May his soul rest in peace !
My deep condolences to all the family members and the community of specialists in this area.
LKMaheshwari
Ex-BITS, Pilani(India)
Prasad
November 8, 2023
His book on device physics was my Bible for teaching device physics
Udai P Singh
November 8, 2023
May the departed soul rest in peace
Pat Yang NCTU1969
November 8, 2023
Dr Sze made a huge contribution to the world. He will be dearly missed.
David Hwang
November 8, 2023
Dear professor Sze, I was very fortunate to be your student at National Taiwan University. Because of you and your classes, I got into the intriguing semiconductor field. You were a great teacher. Thank you so much!! I believe your students will remember you forever. Rest in Peace!!!
Amirouche Bouremani
November 8, 2023
hi
Liuchen Hsu
November 8, 2023
With our heartfelt, deepest condolences.
- NSYSU EE75 Class of 1986
Bill Lynch
November 8, 2023
Simon was a prodigious contributor to our Laboratory at Bell Telephone Laboratories and to the entire semiconductor world. He will always be remembered for his cheerfulness and his smile.
Dev alok Girdhar
November 8, 2023
Grew up reading his book that are still on my shelves for reference.
Wu Ai-Hwa
November 8, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
W u Ai Hwa
November 8, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
November 8, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Ivy Ai Hwa Wu
November 8, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Noel Buckley
November 8, 2023
Generations of scientists and engineers the world over in the area of semiconductors feel a connection to Simon Sze through the influence of his classic textbook "Physics of Semiconductor Devices" on their education.
My condolences to his loved ones on his passing. May he rest in peace.
Grace Min-Hwa Wu
November 8, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rest In Peace, my elder brother, Sze - Min, and my families will always miss you.
Mete Erturk
November 8, 2023
A great pioneer whose books have shaped my career. Not only engineers, but society in general, has so much to thank him for his contributions to semiconductors.
JACK EN
November 8, 2023
Thank you for all the contribution to the technology and science.
Manikant
November 8, 2023
Rest in peace Simon Sze, and thank you for the enduring legacy you leave behind. Your book helped me build my foundation for semiconductor devices, and I will forever be thankful to you.
Herman Maes
November 8, 2023
One of the pioneers of solid-state technology and devices we owe so much to and who will never be forgotten. Thank you, Simon. Herman E. Maes
Sujit Kumar
November 8, 2023
A great visionary and human being, feels like personal loss.
RIP
Tourangbam Harishore Singh
November 7, 2023
Rest In Peace Professor
Tony Tsau
November 7, 2023
The torch of your influence will keep shining bright not only in the semiconductor world also in our lives, even in your absence. R.I.P. my teacher.
Jennifer Mendoza
November 7, 2023
Rest in peace Mr. Sze
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