Michael Yu

Michael Kin-Kui Yu, 73, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA. He was born in Guangdong, China to the late Bing-Sheung and Yet-Su (Hom) Yu, spent his formative years in Hong Kong, and immigrated with his family to New York City, NY as an adolescent. Michael earned his bachelor’s degree from New York University and then moved to Massachusetts to start work for Monsanto’s chemical division. Michael's career in chemical engineering was marked by his unwavering commitment to excellence, his distinct ability to bring a unique perspective to every situation, and his passion for finding unconventional solutions. After a distinguished career, spanning four decades, Michael retired as a Senior Research Fellow from Eastman Chemical. In his free time, Michael was an avid cruise enthusiast and evangelist, who was always up for a karaoke session or down to hit the dance floor.
At the end of 2018, Michael started what would be a six-year battle with lung cancer. His treatment included frequent drives to Dana Farber Cancer Institute (Boston) to endure myriads of tests and treatments that lead to moments of hope that he might overcome. He was grateful to each medical professional who provided care. Throughout his illness and his life, Michael possessed a remarkable ability to engage others in conversation and enthusiasm to share his story and viewpoint with others.
Michael is survived by his cherished wife of 45 years Winnie (Yuen) Yu, their daughter Jessica Yu, son and wife Christopher Yu and Megan Han, grandchild Chloe, his four siblings; Stephen Yu, Katherine Feun, Lawrence Yu, and Alice Harkins; and four nieces and nephews.
The family has chosen to honor Michael’s wishes to forgo a formal funeral for a private celebration of life. Wilbraham Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Michael Yu to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or online at dana-farber.org/gift.