Erick Chiang

Erick Chiang, 74, of Old Town Alexandria, passed away on April 29, 2025 of heart failure. He was born on June 11, 1950 to Frances Wong and Wei Chiang in Hong Kong. After graduating from New Hyde Park Memorial High School in New Hyde Park NY, he went on to study geology at Rutgers University where he received a B.S in 1972. He received an M.A. at Adelphi University in 1974. He received a M.A. in American History from George Mason University in 2014. His work included NOAA, Buffalo Research Coordinator involving ice core samples. He continued he leadership with operations and logistics at the National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs coordinating research programs in Antarctica. Since 1991,He served as Section Head of Polar Research Support Section, Office of Polar Programs. He was responsible for the overall management of facility operations for the United States Antarctic program. He reported to the Director, Office of Polar Programs and provided direction to a management staff that included operations & logistics, engineering, environmental, health & safety, telecommunications, ocean projects, science and construction for existing and new research facilities.

His first marriage to Patricia Sawyer ended in 1989. In 1998, he married Margaret Jane Dionne. After retiring in 2008, he spent a great deal of time at his home in Porspoder (Brittany) France and sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, on his Dufour 38 sailboat and then on his Back Cove 34.

Erick is survived by his brother, Calvin Chiang, sister Vivian Chiang and five nieces and nephews.

The service will be held a Pirates Cove Marina and Restaurant on June 11 at 1:00pm. Several boats will take his remains to a designated marker that Erick previously chose and a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the West River Sailing Club, West River Sailing Foundation or Anne Arundel Rivers.