Chester Tan was born on June 16, 1955 in the University Hospital of Xiamen University located in the coastal city of Xiamen, China, where both his parents served as professors in the Department of Economics. Social upheavals during the tumultuous mid-60’s resulted in a disruption to Chester’s parents’ career and his own personal path. During his schooling years, Chester was sent to Beijing, back to Xiamen and eventually moved to the Philippines in 1973. There, he was able to pursue Mechanical Engineering at Far Eastern University, continuing an already distinguished academic career and following his passions in mathematics and physics.

After completing university, he eventually worked at Steniel Corporation, where he developed his love for computers and met his eventual wife Rosanna Tan. They wed on May 28, 1983 and moved to the United States shortly after in 1986. Upon arriving, Chester put his industriousness and interest in all things STEM into a MS in Computer Science at George Washington University. He would stay in this field for almost 40 years, working as a software engineer and database admin at a host of different companies. Chester would also spend those 40 years in Montgomery County, MD as a member of Cabin John United Methodist Church. For Chester, CJUMC became a beloved place of congregation, source of spiritual growth and birthplace of long-lasting friendships.

Chester embraced many roles throughout his life - he was a skilled software engineer, a handyman, a car enthusiast, and a dedicated New England Patriots fan. He was also a passionate reader and learner and would often impart fun historical facts despite his condition later in life. Chester was also ever generous with his time, money, and love to the people around him. His presence and sense of humor always brightened up any room and his help to others was always unconditional. Above all, he was a loyal friend, loving husband to Rosanna, devoted father to Jed, and lastly a man who loved God.

On September 24, 2024, Chester passed peacefully by the side of his loving wife Rosanna, after a years-long battle with cancer at the age of 70. Chester is survived by his wife Rosanna, son Jed, daughter-in-law Katie, sister Edan and brother Nelson. He is missed dearly.

On behalf of Rosanna and Jed, if you would like to memorialize Chester Tan with a gift, the family would like the fund to either go to our church or the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Below is the information:

Donation to Cabin John United Methodist Church

At our church’s website: cabinjohnumc.org. Please inform Rosanna at tanrosanna@yahoo.com, or

Send a check to Cabin John United Methodist Church at 7703 MacArthur Blvd, Cabin John, MD 20818.

Please indicate "In memory of Chester Tan", or place your check onsite at Cabin John United Methodist Church. Please indicate "In memory of Chester Tan"

Donation to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

Please use the link: https://giving.medstarhealth.…

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