Tien-I Tsui

Branchburg, NJ

Tien-I Tsui, 74, of Branchburg, NJ, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ.

Tien was born in 1948 in Shanghai, China to Tsui Meng-Pu and Jiang Yu-Chien, initially from Chi Sha, Shandong Province. Shortly after his birth, the family immigrated to Tainan, Taiwan where Tien spent most of his childhood. Growing up, Tien enjoyed playing sports and spending time with friends.

Between 1967 and 1971, Tien attended Chung Yuan University in Taoyuan City, Taiwan and graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Between 1971 and 1972, he served in the Taiwan National Army. In late 1972, Tien immigrated to the United States.

In 1973, he enrolled at the University of Connecticut and graduated in 1976 with a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering. During his subsequent 40+ year professional career Tien would work as a pollution control engineer for companies including Research Cottrell, Sonic, Airpol, Washington Group, URS International, and AECOM.

After leaving the University of Connecticut, Tien moved to Elmhurst, Queens, NY where he met his wife Grace. In 1977, the couple was officially married at the Columbia University Chapel. In 1978, Tien and Grace moved from Queens to New Jersey and in 1980 ultimately settled in Branchburg where they have resided ever since.

Tien and Grace welcomed their first son Chihao in 1982 and a second son Chiwei in 1986. As loving a father, Tien took an active role in his sons' upbringing. He was an active parent and supporter of various sporting and extracurricular activities through the Branchburg and Somerville school systems. He was also an active leader within the Chinese American Cultural Association (CACA) and between 1996-1997 served as principal for the 4-H Chinese School where he helped to create educational opportunities and a community network for local Chinese families.

Throughout his life, Tien was an avid sports enthusiast. He was a passionate fan of UConn Men's and Women's basketball. During his younger years, he enjoyed playing basketball and tennis on a weekly basis. During his late 40s, he developed a love for the game of golf and spent much of his free time perfecting his game. He passed along his passion for sports to his children who would often accompany him and serve as his default playing partners. For many years Tien and his sons would play golf on a weekly basis at local Somerset County courses.

Tien ultimately enjoyed the simple things in life and most cherished spending time with his friends and family. He enjoyed walking with his wife, Grace, and the two could often be found at local Somerset County parks or during the winter, the Bridgewater Commons Mall. The two also enjoyed traveling around the world and spending quality time with friends and family.

Tien was regarded by all as a kind, honest, and easy-going individual who exuded positive energy to all those he touched.

Tien is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Tsui Meng-Pu and Jiang Yu-Chien.

Surviving are his loving wife Grace; his son Chihao and wife Melissa; his son Chiwei, his sister Tina Jen and husband Shen; as well as several in-laws, nieces, and nephews that were dear to his heart.

A public memorial and viewing will be held Sunday 11/19 from 10am-1pm at Branchburg Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering in memory of Tien-I Tsui (chi2115@gmail.com).