FUNG YEN "FRANK" YAP

The second of six children, Frank was born to Philip and Wund Yap soon after their emmigration from Hong Kong. Frank relocated to the United States in 1954 to enroll in Brandeis University, eventually completing his Ph.D. in Physics from John Hopkins University in 1967. He became a citizen in 1974 and remained in the country ever since.

 

Frank began his career at Wilson College, Pennsylvania, where he taught physics, mathematics, and computer science for eight years, eventually rising to chairman of his department. He then left academia to work as a scientist and manager at the Computer Sciences Corporation, making his own small contribution to the burgeoning computer revolution. Lending his skills in engineering and science, Frank directed software quality at Lockheed Engineering, working on both civilian and defense projects in aerospace. He later moved to the Bay Area for a post in the Space Systems Division until his retirement in 1993. During his stellar career, Frank was recognized with awards from both Lockheed and NASA.

 

A devoted Catholic, Frank was baptized at a young age and stayed active in the church for the remainder of his life. A product of a formal education and an avid reader, he was fond of quoting Shakespeare, William Blake, and other literary giants. As a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers, he was a life-long advocate of science in the liberal arts. A man who loved to debate, Frank become president of what was then the Saratoga chapter of Toastmasters International, and was the winner of the Area B2 speech contest in 1993. In his retirement, he took great pleasure in singing in local chorus groups, including the Mountain View/Los Altos Adult School chorus.

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Frank is survived by four siblings and many nieces and nephews.