Bar Harbor
Harry W. Chen, 78, died September 22, 2015 in Bar Harbor, ME after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born June 17, 1937 in Taiwan, the son of Wen-De and Su-Hwa (Yang) Chen.
Harry arrived in the US in 1962 to pursue graduate studies in international studies at the University of Kansas. He discovered biochemistry shortly thereafter and changed his major, completing his PhD in that area in 1968. Harry then came to Bar Harbor in 1969 to join the research staff at the Jackson Laboratory. After 15 years, he moved with his family to Kennett Square, PA, joining the team at the DuPont Experimental Station in 1984. An avid, lifelong outdoorsman and fisherman, Harry retired from an active life of scientific research in 1994 and could often be found among the forests, riverbanks and coastlines, continuing his passionate pursuit of fish and wild mushrooms. He remained as passionate as ever about science, however, and may be best remembered for patiently explaining the mysteries of the world to anyone curious enough to ask.
Married in 1967, Harry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sue Chen; his two children, Deborah (Marin) Chen Pichler of Silver Spring, MD and Morris (Melissa) Chen of Scarborough, ME; 7 grandchildren Luka and Lea Pichler, and Madison, Carter, Keaton, Ava and Kaia Chen. His family is thankful that Harry was able to spend his last days on Mount Desert Island, where our family began, and for the generous support from family and friends.
Friends are invited to visit with family 11:00-12:00 with a memorial service at 12:00, October 10, 2015 at Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main Street, Mt. Desert.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com