Dr. Terence C. Tao (陶知章), age 75, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2020 at Belmont Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Belmont, Massachusetts.
Terry was born on August 4, 1944 in Shanghai, China, to parents George and Sondra Tao. He attended secondary school at St. Francis Xavier’s College, Hong Kong, where he graduated in 1960. At just 16 years old, he came to the United States to study. He earned his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley in 1964, and a PhD in chemical physics from Columbia in 1969. After completing post-doctoral training at both Yale and University of Cambridge, Terry returned to New York, teaching at NYU for 3 years before moving to Boston. He spent 37 years as a research scientist at Boston Biomedical Research Institute.
While at BBRI, Terry met his wife Ana Maria and later became father to Patricia. In 1995, Terry suffered a debilitating accident, leaving him a quadriplegic for the rest of his life. Despite the immense challenges, he was able to overcome adversity in rehabilitating his condition beyond initial expectations, even walking with support for a number of years. He was always grateful that even though the accident affected his mobility, it had not affected his brain. He was able to continue his work at BBRI, and was able to live a rich, full life for many years following his accident.
Terry was an avid sports fan. It was very difficult when his favorite local teams, the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, or Red Sox, would play games at the same time (which happens sometimes in the fall) and he could not watch all of them. March Madness was always a delightful challenge, trying to watch as many games as humanly possible in a short timeframe.
Terry also loved both playing and listening to music, particularly Irish and country music. He enjoyed playing the guitar and the penny whistle, which he would carry with him when going on hikes. He also loved playing the harmonica, an instrument he could continue playing after his accident and even once he moved to Belmont Manor Nursing Home. Terry would play his harmonica outside at the nursing home when the weather was nice, unintentionally putting on a lovely show for the residents around him.
Terry is survived by his daughter, Patricia Tao of Cambridge, MA; wife, Ana Maria Garcia of Gloucester, MA; and brother, Jeffrey Tao, sister-in-law, Margaret Tao, and niece, Rachel Tao of New York, NY. He leaves behind many loving relatives and friends who knew him as a kind, intelligent, and overall good-natured man.
A special thank you goes to the wonderful staff at Belmont Manor for the exemplary care and compassion they showed Terry throughout his time there.
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A memorial service will be held at a later date, when travel and gatherings are possible again. Memorial plans will be posted here on the “Events” page once finalized. In the meantime, we encourage you to share condolences, memories, and photographs on this site to celebrate Terry’s life. Comments can be included below, and photographs can be shared below or on the “Mementos” page.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to causes supporting the ongoing battle against COVID-19, and especially to the frontline healthcare workers. A few are suggested below, or feel free to support a cause closer to your community.
Another ongoing way to honor Terry’s life would be to donate to the Museum of Science in Boston to share his love of science with the young and young at heart: https://engage.mos.org/sciencematters/
COVID19-related Funds:
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About |
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| Name | Terence Tao 陶知章 |
| Date of Birth | August 4th, 1944 |
| Date of Death | April 2nd, 2020 |
| Home Town | Shanghai, Shanghai, CN |
| Other City | Belmont, MA, US |
| In Memoriam Donation | Museum of Science, Boston |
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Family |
|---|---|
| Significant Other | Ana Maria Garcia |
| Children | Patricia Tao |
| Parents | George Tao 陶壽炤, Sondra Tao 黃淑隱 |
| Grand-Parents | Lily Yuan 袁荷珠, ZT Tao 陶潤之 |
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published a tribute .
My dear friend Terry, I am so, so saddened to learn of your passing. And, I am shocked to learn of your accident, and even more that I never knew! Please forgive me for not seeking you out, and renewing old friendship after I disappeared from our old stamping grounds. It seems you were injured somewhere around the time that I was getting married to Yuka; you met her once, do you remember? You and Ana Maria and Patti had us to dinner, after you and I ran into each other in Cambridge. We now live in Japan. You were always generous, and more outgoing than I, for certain.
We started our friendship when you recruited me for our volleyball team at the Cambridge YMCA. I had tried (and washed out) for a spot with the upper team, and you pointed out to me that Cam2 had something the upper team hadn't, an excellent professional coach! I joined for the next tournament. I have told many people since then that the only reason we were not doormats was your disciplined leadership as the setter. If a contest was going against us, at a time when we might have lost composure it was you who reminded us that we had a strategy that we should not abandon, and often with good results. Your trained and scientific mind.
But no nerdy stick in the mud, you. I remember that we trouped out for a late meal in Chinatown, the lot of us. You took command of ordering and had a few words with the server. Out came some fabulous platter, so delicious and satisfying, and it was not even on the menu! You raconteur. And speaking of, once when I had to come late and joined you and some others for dessert, I brought along a bottle of wine. In my choice I was advised by the merchant, and I could see that it was good advice, because you recognized my offering and gave it a hearty approval. Terry, tonight, and and every night on your birthday, I will toast you with a glass or two of the finest Sauterne I can find, or afford. Goodbye, old friend. You were loved by so many, and I miss you.
Ana Maria, Patti, Antonio, my deepest and heartfelt condolence. I hope that these years have lessened your grief, for now I begin my own.
1 1
Lee, I'm sorry you learned about Terry through this memorial. We lost track of you. If you see this, please contact me: [email protected]
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published a tribute .
We first met Terry in the 1980s. Since then we met numerous times during our life in Cambridge and we also stayed with him, Ana Maria and Patti several times at their home in Belmont when we came to the United States.
We do treasure our memories of each others company and friendship! The countless lunches and dinners, the vivid discussions – especially about American politics –, the guitar and harmonica sessions - singing along, the little excursions to the Massachusetts beaches, parcs, museums and restaurants, our vacations in New Hampshire, painting Easter eggs at the Black Bear Lodge in Waterville Valley, taking a boat trip on the river Rhine in Germany, going fishing together, watching superbowls-games at night and cheering the Patriots, eating out in Chinatown in Boston with all the chinese treasures selected by the expert in his native tongue, getting a grand tour at BBRI in 2005 with joy and enthusiasm, feeling the spirit of science being passed on, and seeing our kids grow up and find their way in life.
Thanks for sharing your friendship with us, Terry! We will always remember you. Marianne and Jürgen
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published a tribute .
I am so glad to have known Terry. Not only was he a really high achieving scientist, he was well-rounded and empathetic, wise in his knowledge of how to be a friend. I met him in 1976 while doing a postdoctoral fellowship at BBRI. We became close friends in 1978 when he supported me though a time of personal grief and searching. I remember meals together when he introduced me to his rice cooker and helped me perfect the art of using chopsticks to eat from a bowl. At that time he loved soccer and being active outdoors. We drifted apart after I left BBRI for medical school, but reconnected in later years through infrequent emails and letters. My husband and I visited Terry and Ani occasionally at their home on Winter Street. We shared meals and updates on our children. We were happy to return the favor when Terry and Ani were able to visit our upstate New York home in August 2010. I was always amazed at how Terry forged onward in spite of his disability, which always made me sad when I saw him. His perseverance was still evident at my last visit with him in spring 2015 when he was living at Belmont Manor, although his energy was quite muted.
One of my memories is a bit funny. Terry was sometimes a bit absent minded. He came to visit me at my parents' NY home once. My mother really liked him. When he left to drive his VW Rabbit back to Boston she was careful to give him explicit directions to get him back to the main highway. She repeated them several times to make sure he had them correct. We all watched him drive out of the driveway AND TURN RIGHT INSTEAD OF LEFT!! This turn would take him in the opposite direction. My mother was frantic. We all piled into our car to give pursuit but were not able to catch up to him. I never knew how he eventually worked his way through all the winding small roads to get himself back to Boston, but he did!
Looking back, I wish I had stopped more times to visit with him in the last several years. I wish I had phoned him more often. I was lucky to have him as a friend. He was one of the kindest people I have known. Bon voyage, Terry. I know your soul will rest in a good place.
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published a tribute .
Peggy was able to dig up this photo from the late 80's. Terry, Ana Maria and Patti were at a party at our house with other BBRIers from Hungary and Russia. We had music playing in the background and, whereas no one else was dancing, Terry got up and danced; it was the highlight of the party for me.
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published a tribute .
In 1972, when Terry and I shared an apartment in NYC, he used to played a Goya acoustic guitar, which I somehow inherited by default. I never learned how to play it, but now my daughter Rachel is learning to play it with the help of her boyfriend Sebastian. She will always treasure the guitar as an enduring memento of her late uncle.
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published a tribute .
Dear Ana and Patricia,
I'm so sorry to have learned about your loss. I hope this photo (headed to Hong Kong-style restaurant in Chinatown) finds you surrounded by strength and compassion.
P.S. I used to work at Dr. Albert Wang's lab.
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published a tribute .
Dearest. Terry
I do not have to repeat what all your family, colleagues and friends have already said
Your brillante scientific mind, you love for sports, music and
nature.
I will say thought that you gave me the greatest present that any one could hope for
You opened your home to me and gave me a place to live, when I most needed it. However, the most important thing, you gave me a “FAMILY”
From then on, if any one asked me, what are you doing for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas? I could say I’ll be with my family
Annie,Patti, Tony, Kathy,Ryan, Kyle.
Thanks Terry
Rest In Peace
A big hug
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published a tribute .
Ana and Patti,
Kent and I were so sorry to hear about Terry’s passing. He was such a vital and cherished presence in our lives for so many years. My first memory of him is at Bright Horizons. As soon as Caitlin and Patti became friends there in 1987, he promptly invited us all over for a “playdate’’—and so began decades of friendship.
We have so many memories of our times together—holiday dinners, backyard barbecues, vacations by the sea, hiking through the woods, skiing at Waterville, watching football (at home or at Gillette!), singing along with Terry as he played his guitar. Terry was more than just a friend—as our girls grew up together, he, Ana and Patti became family. He loved both our children as if they were his own. He reveled in their development and accomplishments and cherished them dearly. He was one of the kindest, most caring, and thoughtful person we have known.
We were devastated by Terry’s accident—the suddenness of it and the severe impact on our dear friend and his family was so heartbreaking, and seemed so unfair a blow for this vibrant man. But we greatly admired his determination to keep participating in the activities we had enjoyed together before his injury. Not only did we continue to see each other often and celebrate personal milestones and holidays together; he also participated in more demanding activities. We remember him riding a recumbent bike on wooded trails, trying out adaptive skiing at Waterville, and even joining us on a Club Med vacation! No doubt these pursuits were terribly challenging for him; it was a testament to both his motivation and his courage that he persisted.
In short, he was a huge part of our lives, and we were all so enriched by his presence. In his own intense, but gentle, way he made a difference that made us better. For that, and for his love and friendship, we are deeply grateful. Thank you, Terry. Rest in peace.
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published a tribute .
Ana and Patricia, I am so sorry for your loss.
Love, Donna Swensen
published a comment .
Querida aTia, doy gracias de haber conocido al tío Terry, fue una persona Yam cariñosa y humana... un abrazo de amor y esperanza a la distancia.
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published a tribute .
Queridas Anny y Patti. Un hermoso homenaje para recordar a Terry... En una temporada que viví con ellos en su casa, compartí con él gratos momentos, donde pude ver toda su generosidad, sabiduría, tenacidad y templanza. Recuerdo el gran amor y admiración por Anny, como también pude ver como disfrutaba los logros y hazañas de Patti. Terry siempre estaba con una linda sonrisa en su rostro y actitud reflexiva y positiva, no puedo olvidar el tesón con el que enfrentaba su vida después del accidente. Recuerdo de él la acogida y enseñanza, como también sus palabras siempre con un consejo sensato y oportuno. Como olvidar lo cariñoso y entusiasta que fue con mis dos hijas Francisca y Daniela quienes vivieron lindos momentos en familia junto a Anny y Patti. Siempre recordaré agradecida de haber vivido esos momentos, que me dejaron una gran enseñanza.... que con el tiempo - creo y espero - me ha echo ser una mejor persona. Un abrazo fuerte y cariñoso para mi querida prima y sobrina.
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published a tribute .
Dear Ana, what a lovely tribute! Although I never met your husband, I loved reading about the loving , kind, beautiful man he was. I enjoyed your telling stories of driving your RV around the country together after his accident. Next time our little group gets together, we will toast Terence Tao with our favorite wine. May his memory be eternal.
With sincere compassion at this time of your loss
Ann Patten
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published a tribute .
Con gran pena recibí la noticia del fallecimiento de Terry. Un gran abrazo y condolencias para Ana María y Patty.
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published a comment .
Terry Tao’s passing has affected me deeply. He finally succumbed to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) after almost 2 decades of successfully battling to overcome and conquer his devastating paralysis from an accident that nevertheless allowed him to retain his scientific research prowess in helping to elucidate the molecular mechanism of muscle contraction.
Terry and I were colleagues and became close friends as assistant Profs. at New York University in the early 1970s when we co-taught Biochemistry (together with Profs. Leonard Katz and Peter Campbell). During Terry’s 3 years at NYU Terry and I co-guided student research. One interesting research project attempted to divulge the altered exposure (and thus molecular conformational changes) of rhodopsin within the rod outer disc segment lipid membrane, in the dark versus when exposed to light, via covalent DANSYL-fluorescence labeling. Terry was, by all accounts, quite brilliant in areas concerning fluorescence, having obtained his PhD at Columbia under the guidance of the renowned chemical physicist Prof. Richard Bersohn.
During his NYU years, Terry’s physical stamina seemed astonishing to me. He was an avid and regular volleyball and tennis player, played folk guitar and harmonica, worked long hours in his then-small lab, seemed to continuously eat prodigious amounts of food, never seemed fatigued and — miracle of miracles — never gained an ounce of extra weight!
We remained close friends and in regular contact when he moved to the Boston Biomedical Research Institute and re-established his ongoing muscle research. My visits to Boston would invariably involve a meet-up with Terry for lunch in Chinatown, or a dinner that he prepared at his house in Cambridge (invariably employing the electric rice maker that he ultimately gave me as a gift!). At one of those memorable dinners at his house I was casually informed about his imminent marriage to Anna Maria. “Ani” and their daughter Patti shall always remain the unbreakable links with the memories of Terry’s life for me and my wife, Jane.
On several occasions over the years Terry initiated an invitation for me to present a talk at BBRI on my own work. Ultimately, after more than 2 decades on the NYU faculty, and principally through Terry’s influence, I was persuaded to join the BBRI research community. I spent my last years of active research geographically close to Terry’s brilliance, grateful for his gentle critiquing (or, more truthfully, his patience in teaching me) the physics and math that I was proposing to employ in my research, which I never mastered, although I should have!
Visits with Terry over the last several decades allowed for a few brief moments to be captured in a photo and are shared here. Jane and I send our heartfelt condolences to his family, and the sadness we share by his loss with his friends and colleagues.
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published a tribute .
Terry and I became friends in 1960, when we were both freshman at UC Berkeley, a sixteen and a seventeen-year old a bit lost, learning to grow up on our own. Here are some memories that remind me of how dear he was: Going to see the film Zorba the Greek in 1964. Living together in NYC in 1966-67, Terry doing graduate work and me working full time against the War. I was fiddling with learning blues guitar and Terry played country music on his Martin. How I loved hearing Terry play country music and sing in his Hong Kong twang. Playing ping-pong for hours at the salon on Broadway. Our adventure to the Apollo Theater to hear Sonny Terry and Bownie Magee. Listening to Sargeant Pepper's Hearts Club Band. Then we went our own ways for many years, and found each other after his accident, after the fates changed his life. Still working, still curious about the world's politics and music, still wanting to know about my life, after more than forty-five years we found a way to connect. A great gift. Thanks, Terry.
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published a tribute .
I was surprised one day in the very early '80s (or was it late '70s) that somebody named Terrance Tao wrote me a letter requesting some space in my lab at BBRI to do research. Why was he contacting me and not our department chairman? I could offer him a bench and a desk, but would that be enough? Besides, do I need to get permission from the Chairman? What am I getting into? His CV looked quite impressive and his mentors were well known in fluorescence work so I was tempted. He visited, was introduced to the Chairman who seemed to be happy to have another funded grant in his department and it was settled. I did manage to collaborate with him on a couple of projects but after a few years, Terry left my area and continued to flourish in the Department as an independent investigator. We had much in common. We both experienced the Berkeley Chem. department, he as an undergraduate and me as a graduate student (about 4 years apart). We both liked outdoor activities - sports, so he joined us on an occasional bike ride (Ana joined us as well), I joined activities that he promoted, volley ball and an occasional soccer game down by the river. When my family traveled to England for a sabbatical and he learned that we were going to stop in Hong Kong, he arranged for us to meet his parents. They took my wife, Liane, and 2 kids Damon and Erica, out to dinner and to a New Year's eve party at some club on the beach. That stop over was memorable. We overlapped quite a bit in our research but we managed to accept our different approaches and were able to communicate well together. i was shocked to hear about his accident, but we seemed to carry on despite his handicap. I will remember Terry as a colleague and a friend. Sam
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published a tribute .
I am completed devestates.to hear of Terry's passing. although we have not connected.for.many years, the years we spent in the same rooming house in NYC at the Pennington had a tremendous.impact on.me during my formative years in NYC just out of grad school.
Terry wasike a.big brother to me,... gentle advice,
and kind guidance.
I shall miss him dearly!
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published a tribute .
I'd like to share with everyone what I recall when I was a teenager and my brother Terry was around 15 or 16 in Hong Kong. He was just finishing Form 5 at St. Francis Xavier secondary school, and was interested in college in America. But his school did not offer Sixth Form schooling, and could not prepare him adequately for the SAT in math or math Achievement Test. My parents found him a math tutor he worked with him all summer. I could already see my brother's energy, drive, sense of purpose and passion for math and science. As a result of these efforts, he entered UC Berkeley and went on to have a stellar career as an academic and research scientist.
published a comment .
Terry, Peter Coleman, Peter Campbell and I co-taught Biochemistry at NYU in the 70s. I sat in on his lectures. He was a brilliant lecturer and great colleague. We lost touch after he left NYU but I have good memories of the time we spent together. My condolences to Terry's family. Leonard Katz
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published a comment .
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