George C. Sih

"Grief is the reminder of the depth of our love. Without love, there is no grief. So when we feel our grief, uncomfortable and aching as it may be, it is actually a reminder of the beauty of that love, now lost."

                              -His Holiness the Dalai Lama

George C. Sih, 92 of Bethlehem passed away peacefully at home on August 21, 2025.

George was born in Shanghai, China on October 8, 1932 son of the late Paul K.T. and Teresa Sih. Survived by brothers Charles, John and sister Pauline.

George received his Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from the University of Portland, his Master in Mechanical Engineering from New York University and his Doctor of Philosophy with special recognition for his graduate study in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University.

He was a well-respected Professor at Lehigh University, where he was the director of the world famous Institute of Fracture and Solid Mechanics for nearly three decades. After retiring from Lehigh University he was an honorary professor at Harbin Institute of Technology, Tsinghua University, Xian Jiaotong University, Northwestern Polytech University, Beijing Jiaotong University, University of Science and Technology of China, Chongquing Jiaotong University, Xiangtan University, Army Medical University and Hebei University of Technology.  Seven years later he became the adjunct professor at the East China University of Science and Technology.

George was international renowned as a pioneer scientist who collaborated Lehigh with Hahnemann Hospital. He was a scholar, who was passionate about his research and devoted his life to writing papers and books, including the famous Fracture of Mechanics series.  He published well over 50 books on mechanical engineering and hosted many international symposiums all over the world.

He is survived by his first wife Jennice Sih with whom he had three children Philip Sih and wife Carmella, Jean LaRue and husband Todd and Grace Sih and husband Todd; grandchildren Gregory Sih and wife Danielle with their daughter Willow, Nicholas Sih and wife Sophia, Jake Lidon, Andrew Sih and Jeadine with their son Otto, Siobhan Lidon and Jasmine Sih-Feiertag.

He is also survived by his second wife Huifang Ren Sih.

There will be a private Funeral Mass at Packer Chapel at Lehigh University. He will be laid to rest at Holy Savior Cemetery in Bethlehem, PA.

Funeral arrangements by the Herron Funeral Home in Bethlehem. www.Herronfuneralhomecares.com