Robert Ling Chiang, Ph.D.

September 30, 1944 – July 24, 2025

Robert Ling Chiang, Ph.D., 80, of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Overlook Medical Center in Summit surrounded by his family.

Born in China in 1944 and raised in Taiwan, Robert’s life was defined by intellect, quiet determination, and devotion to family. He graduated from National Taiwan University in Taipei and came to the United States to pursue graduate study, earning his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. What followed was a distinguished, five-decade career in research and development focused on chemicals and advanced materials.

Robert held positions with W. R. Grace & Co. in Columbia, Maryland, and Union Carbide Corporation in White Plains, New York, before spending the balance of his professional life with Air Products in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he retired in 2004 as a research scientist. Even in retirement he continued consulting, making significant contributions to zeolite adsorbents, catalytic cracking processes, and—most recently—the improvement of medical oxygen generators used during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was the author and owner of numerous United States patents, a quiet innovator whose work tangibly improved lives.

Since 1994, Robert made his home in Basking Ridge, where he was happiest sharing a meal or a bottle of good wine with those he loved. Robert enjoyed golf, travel, table tennis, and wine tasting, and he had an especially soft spot for the family dogs, Wally and Zoe. Above all, he cherished time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. All those who met Robert gravitated towards his unforgettable laugh and remembered him for his selfless nature.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Chian C. Chiang; his sons, Alan R. Chiang and his wife Aelee Kwon, and Brian J. Chiang and his wife Jane Yoo; his treasured grandchildren, Aidan Chiang and Emma Chiang; and his sister, Alice Chu. He was predeceased by his parents, Shih Tsung Chiang and Shufen Teng Chiang, and his sister, Nancy M. Chiang.

A private service will be held to honor Robert’s life.