John Hsing Hsyang Liu's Obituary
Baba’s Obituary
John Hsing Hsyang Liu passed away peacefully at his Fremont home on 5 June 2025, surrounded by family. He was 87.
Born 1 February 1938 in Taiwan, John was the second of eight children and the family’s eldest son. After completing military service and university studies, his gift for numbers led him to teach math at a local school, where he met music teacher Julie Ju Jung Liu. Their classroom partnership became a loving marriage of more than fifty-five years and journeys to nearly every continent.
Eager to deepen his studies, John moved to the United States in 1969, earned an M.S. in physics from Tennessee Tech, and joined Silicon Valley’s early semiconductor boom. Over three decades he rose to his final job as Principal Engineer at Samsung, John being known for meticulous schematics and calm mentorship, before retirement.
Beyond the lab, John built community. As Principal of Fremont Chinese School, he turned Saturdays into lively hubs of language, karaoke, mah-jongg, and grand potlucks. He also co-founded the Fremont Hakkanese Language Club, helping preserve a rare dialect. If equipment failed or a newcomer felt shy, John appeared with tape, a joke, and a welcoming smile.
Adventure remained his compass. With Julie and their children, he logged thousands of RV miles - camping under desert skies, chasing autumn colours, and filling passports with stamps from Budapest, Cairo, Thailand, Japan, Rio and Amsterdam, just to name a few.
John is survived by Julie; children Margaret (Beaconsfield, UK), Cassie (Pleasanton, CA), and Tony (Orinda, CA); grandchildren Jake, Max, Robbie, Kensington, Tristan, and Ophelia; elder sister Jeannie; and siblings Katie, Scarlett, Winnie, David, and Kiku.
Celebration of Life
Thursday, 26 June 2025 • Skylawn Memorial Park, San Mateo
● 10 a.m. Private family viewing (Pacific Chapel)
● 10:30 a.m. Public seating opens
● 11 a.m.–Noon Service, followed by graveside burial
● Reception off-site (details forthcoming)
Please honor John by gathering loved ones, sharing good food, and raising a song in his memory.
What’s your fondest memory of John Hsing Hsyang?
What’s a lesson you learned from John Hsing Hsyang?
Share a story where John Hsing Hsyang's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John Hsing Hsyang you’ll never forget.
How did John Hsing Hsyang make you smile?
