William J. Chen

William J. Chen, beloved husband of May J. Chen, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 18, 2024, in Schenectady, New York, at the blessed age of 90. Born on August 19, 1934, in Miao-li, Taiwan, he was the son of Chung-Yen and Tuan-Mey Chen.

“Bill” obtained his undergraduate degree from the National Taipei Institute of Technology in Taipei, Taiwan. While in Taipei, he was introduced to May. They were wed on September 6, 1962, and stayed happily married for more than 62 years.

In August 1964, Bill immigrated alone to the United States, temporarily leaving behind his family to attend the University of Alabama where he obtained his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation, Bill obtained a job as an Electrical Engineer with the General Electric Company (GE) in Johnson City, New York, and brought his wife and two young sons over to the United States, settling in nearby Endicott. He subsequently transferred to the GE plant in Schenectady, New York, and bought a house in Rotterdam where he and May lived for more than 52 years. After a 14 year career with GE, Bill worked for another 18 years as a Senior Building Electrical Engineer for the State of New York Office of General Services. In addition, Bill and May established Dynasty Gifts in the Clifton Country Mall in Clifton Park, New York, and operated it joyfully and successfully for 14 years.

Although Bill would presumably never claim to have had any spare time, at least not until he retired, he enjoyed tennis and was an avid golfer. During their prime, he and May would golf multiple times per week. Bill also enjoyed investing in real estate and dabbling in the stock market and was often asked by his friends for investment advice. He especially enjoyed spending time with and spoiling his four grandchildren.

Bill was a particularly passionate and tireless advocate for the local Taiwanese community, determined to both promote and preserve the Taiwanese culture. He twice served as the President of the Taiwanese American Association of the Capital District, once in 1977 and again from 2014-2015. Bill also served as the President of the Rotterdam Rotary Club from 2001-2002.

Bill was an intensely private individual. Friends and even his family described him as being especially smart. Bill was incredibly humble but was also immensely humorous. His wife May believes her hair never turned gray because he was always making her laugh.

Bill was the quintessential immigrant success story. He came to the United States virtually penniless but overcame adversity to achieve his American dream. But more important than any financial achievement, Bill’s legacy will be the tremendous impact he had on his friends, family, and community.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife May Chen of Schenectady, New York, his son Henry Chen of Redwood City, California, his grandson Nathaniel Chen and granddaughter Natalina Chen of San Marino, California, his grandson Matthew Chen of Sapporo, Japan, his granddaughter Natalie Yoo of Los Altos, California, and his sisters Jen-Mei Jean of Skokie, Illinois, Jen-Yar Chen of Taipei, Taiwan, and Jen-Chin Chen of Chicago, Illinois. He was predeceased by his son Frank Chen, his parents Chung-Yen and Tuan-Mey Chen, his brother Jen-Min Chen, and his sister Jen-Yuan Liu.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 7, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, New York. A funeral service will commence at 12:00 pm, at New Comer Cremations & Funerals with interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery & Memorial Park, 983 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Albany, New York. The funeral service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Please see below to register for the livestream services.