Obituary of Wilson Tam
Wilson Tam, a resident of Garnet Valley, PA, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2023, at the age of 71, surrounded by his loved ones. Wilson was a brilliant, humble, kind, and gracious man with a dry sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan Tam, his two daughters, Merritt Tam and Lauren Covert, son-in-law, Scott Covert, and two grandchildren, Owen and Benjamin Covert. Wilson is predeceased by his parents, Bick Chee Tam and Jang Wei Kam, and is survived by four siblings, Jennie Wong, Albert Tam, Mary OwYoung, and Edward Tam.
Wilson was born and raised in San Francisco's Chinatown, where he developed a passion for chemistry. He obtained his bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley, his master's from UC Riverside, and his doctoral degree from UCLA. After completing postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley, Wilson and his wife moved to Delaware and later settled in Garnet Valley, PA, where they lived for 34 years.
Wilson joined DuPont in 1980 as a research chemist where he spent his entire career in Research & Development. He made significant contributions to numerous endeavors, including improvements to the Butacite® and Nomex® processes; rheology control additives; high-strength fibers; synthesis of organometallic complexes; sulfonyl ureas; materials for non-linear optics and color filters; invention of catalysis processes for nylon; and second-generation seed coatings. Wilson had a distinguished career as a Senior Research Fellow with over 50 scientific papers and over 50 US patents, in addition to an international research award and many other honors to his name.
Wilson cherished spending quality time with his family and friends. He enjoyed family trips to national parks and other places of natural beauty while cultivating his own beautiful landscape around his Pennsylvanian home. After retiring from DuPont in 2013, he found fulfillment in volunteering at Longwood Gardens and Nemours Children's Hospital and continued learning through painting and piano classes. He stayed active by playing tennis and croquet and always enjoyed music at Philharmonic concerts.
Wilson was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Wilson and share fond memories in celebration of his truly wonderful life. Services will remain private. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com.
