December 1941 – November 2025

Dr. Michael S. Hsu passed away on November 12, 2025 at the age of 83. He was a brilliant engineer, devoted family man, and cherished member of the Greater Boston Chinese community. Born in 1941 in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, Michael moved with his family to Taiwan at the age of seven. He excelled academically, graduating from the Affiliated High School of National Taiwan Normal University and later earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from National Cheng Kung University.

After completing his military service in 1964, Michael met the love of his life, Ms. Dora Wu. They shared a deep bond, waiting for her to graduate from National Taiwan University before traveling together to the United States in 1965 to pursue postgraduate studies. In 1967, they were married in Boston, building a life together filled with love, partnership, and shared dreams.

Michael went on to earn his doctorate in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he developed a particular passion for power generation. In 1971, he spent a year in Germany as a visiting scientist, conducting research in advanced power generation. Upon returning to the United States, he joined MIT Lincoln Laboratory as a senior research scientist, dedicating 17 years to scientific research supporting national security. His work encompassed defense, space, satellite, and advanced power generation projects, and he forged collaborations with power companies across the country.

Among his many contributions, Michael discovered an important function in fuel cell-based battery power systems. This discovery inspired him to focus his research on this area, ultimately leading him to leave Lincoln Laboratory and establish his own research company, Ztek Corporation, as well as over 50 patents in fuel cell development and other applications. For years, he devoted himself fully to advancing his work, guided by curiosity, precision, and determination.

Beyond his professional achievements, Michael was deeply committed to the Chinese community in Boston. He was actively involved in the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association (GBCCA), helping organize programs and events that brought people together and strengthened cultural ties. He also served as the principal of the Lexington Chinese Language School, and President of New England Alumni Association of National Cheng Kung University, dedicating his time to education and nurturing the next generation.

Michael was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Dora Wu Hsu; his daughter, Florence Ida Hsu, and son-in-law, Choli Hartono; his grandchildren, Natalie and Andrew Hartono; his brother, James S. Hsu; and his brother-in-law, Harold Tai. He is preceded in death by his beloved sister Joan Tai, and his parents M.P. and Ginger Hsu. Family was the center of his life, and his love, guidance, and gentle humor will be deeply missed.

Dr. Michael Hsu lived a life of quiet excellence, integrity, and generosity. He touched countless lives through his work, his community service, and his family. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the enduring legacy he leaves behind—in science, in community, and in the hearts of all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held Saturday November 29th at 11am, at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Road, Lexington, MA. Visitation will take place immediately prior to the service from 10:30 am to 11am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Reception to follow at the Pierce House in Lincoln, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael's honor may be made to Massachusetts General Hospital at: giving.massgeneral.org/donate. Please indicate "In honor of Dr. Michael S. Hsu" in the designation box. Private interment at Lincoln Cemetery.