Wei Shih

Dr. Wei Shih史 偉 (1933–2026)

Dr. Wei Shih, 92, passed away on May 5, 2026, in Lowell, MA. He lived a remarkable life characterized by resilience, academic excellence, and a deep devotion to his family. Overcoming early childhood hardships in China, he immigrated to the U.S. and built a highly successful career in education. Alongside his beloved wife, Susan Shih, he created a wonderful family who continue to thrive due to their sacrifices, love, and unwavering support.

Early Life and Education Born on May 16, 1933, in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China , Wei was the son of Fa Rong Shih (史法鑅) and Ping Chi Chen Shih (史陳品奇), and brother to his sister, Mei Hua (美華). His family relocated to Taiwan in 1946. Following the tragic death of his father from tuberculosis in 1949, his family faced severe financial and emotional hardships. During this difficult time, Wei was taken in by his aunt and uncle (陳任寰,李秀穎) in Taichung, Taiwan, where he successfully completed his high school education.

A dedicated and exceptional student, Wei was admitted to National Taiwan University in 1952 , earning his B.A. in Economics in 1956. Following graduation, he completed his required military service as an interpreter for the U.S. Military Advisory Group in Taipei. In 1958, he began working as a civil servant at the Taipei Custom in Keelung. It was there, working in the Department of Luggage Inspections, that he met his future wife, Susan (阮淑珊), through her mother, who was his colleague.

Journey to the U.S. and Academic Achievements In 1961, Wei emigrated to the United States to pursue his graduate studies, initially arriving in San Francisco with only a few hundred dollars to his name. He soon moved to New York City, where he and Susan were married at City Hall on September 11, 1962. The couple welcomed their daughter, Koyin, on December 1, 1963.

Wei earned his M.B.A. from the Baruch School of Business and Public Administration at the City University of New York in 1964. Despite facing immense financial constraints, his academic excellence secured him a vital research assistantship, allowing him to earn his Ph.D. in Business Administration from the Stern School of Business at New York University in 1968.

A Distinguished Career Dr. Shih enjoyed an esteemed 40-year professional career in higher education and research. He began his teaching career as an Assistant Professor of Management Science at the University of Rhode Island, teaching from 1968 to 1972. In 1972, he joined the College of Business Administration at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Ohio. He served as Department Chair from 1990 to 1998 and was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus of Operations Research in July 1998. His career included an appointment as a Fulbright Senior Scholar at Shandong University in China from 1983 to 1984. Later in life, he continued to share his expertise as a Visiting Professor of Management at Macau University of Science and Technology from 2006 to 2009.

Throughout his career, Dr. Shih authored extensively peer-reviewed journals, presented at numerous international conferences, and offered management consulting to prominent organizations, including the Social Security Administration, Master Chemical Company, and Cooper Tire and Rubber Company.

Family, Faith, and Legacy

Beyond his impressive career, Wei was a dedicated and loving father. He sacrificed to ensure his family had a secure home and the best education, always cheering on his three children at their music, sports, and academic events. He held high expectations, challenging his children and grandchildren to achieve top marks in their pursuits.

Wei had a profound passion for good Chinese food and was blessed that Susan was a capable chef. He was always excited to try new Chinese restaurants wherever he traveled. Having weathered financial hardships in his youth, Wei was vigilant with his savings while raising his family. Eventually, he and Susan were able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, becoming world travelers, taking cruises, visiting friends and family, and hosting holidays at their home in Bolton, MA, where they welcomed and cared for their six grandchildren.

A champion for immigrants, particularly those from China, Wei worked to secure scholarships for international students at BGSU and regularly hosted them for BBQs and dinner parties at his home. In the summer of 2025, his family was delighted when Wei was baptized at the Chinese Bible Church of Greater Lowell, welcoming Jesus into his life.

Wei was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mei Hua, who passed away in 1972; and his beloved wife, Susan, who passed away in 2024. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his daughter, two sons, and their spouses: Koyin Shih and Stephen McKay of Westford, MA; Milton and Maggie Shih of Westford, MA; and Andrew and Karen Shih of Portland, OR. His six grandchildren—MeiLissa, Christine, Justin, Julia, Rachel, and Megan—brought him immense pride and joy.

Wei will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, who will forever remember his generous, caring, and self-sacrificing nature.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Chinese Bible Church of Greater Lowell.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Wei for a period of visitation on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 8:30am until 9:30am at Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA 01460. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home promptly at 9:30am. Burial will take place following the funeral service at the Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematory, 185 Lake St, Peabody, MA 01960.

Arrangements are under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA 01460. 978-486-3709