Obituary of Chih-Chau Chao

Chih-Chau Chao, born March 14, 1937, passed away quietly on Feb. 7, 2019 following a long battle with Alzheimer's.
Guests are invited to join the family between 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 2, for a remembrance of Chih's life and to reconnect with old friends at the The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Ave., Maplewood, N.J., followed by a service at 4 p.m.
Chih was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Evelyn, and his sister, Vera. He is survived by his sister, Jenny; children, Vivian and Vincent, and by his six grandchildren, Brielle, Gryphon, Henry, Charles, Samantha, and Emily.
Chih lived a long and colorful life. He left China for Taiwan, alone in a fishing boat, at the age of 12 before moving to the U.S. in 1964, where he earned his master's degree in civil engineering at Kansas State University. He was a survivor of 9/11, having fled the 91st floor of the South Tower before its collapse.
Chih was a warm and caring soul, who enjoyed travel, spending time with friends and family, and black cherry ice cream. He will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association are suggested.