Steve Ji-Shao Yang

Steve was intelligent, adventurous and forward thinking. He was willing to make the difficult sacrifices to come alone to America from Taiwan in his early 20’s with the desire to build a big life. In spite of the challenges, he quietly persevered and successfully earned a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Berkely and then a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from Stanford. While in college he met his wife, Shirley. They were the perfect team and their mutual love and respect is what helped them build a very successful life for their family.

Steve was proud of his work in aerospace engineering. At Honeywell his leadership and respect of others resulted in lifelong friendships that endured long after his retirement. During his career and then later in retirement, he was always helping the community. He was known for leading groups to help others, serving a term as President of the Chinese-American Professionals Association of Arizona (CAPAA), and often contributing in church. Retirement did not slow him down and he found a new passion as a professor using his experience to teach and guide others.

For Steve, family was the most important thing. He was always looking for ways to give his children the best opportunities possible. His lifelong love for his wife and adoration of his children and grandchildren was obvious to all who knew him. Watching his grandchildren grow up brought him immense pride and joy. His love for his family meant he always looked for ways to spend time with them.

His favorite things to do included fishing, camping, hiking and in his retirement, going on cruises all around the world with Shirley. He had a love of eating, especially pizza, chocolate and Chinese food.

Steve was deeply loved by his family and friends. He will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, resilience and determination. He is survived by his daughter Debbie, son Richard (Patrina), grandchildren James and Charlotte, and his brothers Leon Yang (Ping) and Jiwu Yang (Lena 6/1934 - 12/2023).

A Celebration of Life will be held August 16, 2024 10:00am at Valley of the Sun Mortuary located at 10940 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, AZ, 85248. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s name to any Parkinson’s research association of your choice.