Peter Kung-Liang Cheo

Born February 2, 1930 in Nanjing, China, Peter was the son of Henry Ming-Yi Zhou and Eva Wen-Zhen Shao. He came to the United States at the age of 18 under a full scholarship from St. John’s University in Minnesota. He transferred to Aurora University in Illinois where he earned a BS degree in Physics and Mathematics in 1951. He received an MS degree at Virginia Institute of Technology in 1952. He took a job as Professor of Physics at Bethany College in Kansas where he met and married Dorothy Ober on August 18, 1956. He went on to earn a PhD degree from Ohio State University in 1963.

Peter made significant contributions to the field of laser research and applications. He worked for 20 years at United Technologies Research Center in East Hartford, CT as Senior Principal Scientist and leader of the Electro-Optics Technology Group. In 1990 he took a post as Chair of the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of Connecticut, where he developed a new Photonics Research Center and graduate-level program. After retiring from UConn at the age of 79, he continued research on high power fiber laser systems through his own private company, PC Photonics.

Throughout his 45-year career, Peter was awarded 20 US patents, published 2 graduate level textbooks, wrote over 100 technical articles and was an invited speaker at dozens of professional conferences around the world. His inventions and innovations had a wide range of applications including jet engine control, satellite communications, remote sensing of planetary atmospheres, inspection of underground power cable insulation, nuclear fusion and national defense systems. One of his patented devices was installed at the observatory on top of Mauna Kea in Hawaii, 11,000 ft above sea level, for measuring the atmosphere of Mars and Venus. Another has been used to determine exact colors for the restoration of Italian cathedral paintings.

In his memoir, Peter said he was satisfied with everything he was involved in and accomplished in his life. The only thing he regretted was never being able to see his parents again after leaving China in 1948, because of the political tensions between China and the West.

Outside of his work, Peter enjoyed downhill skiing, classical music, writing his memoir, traveling many places around the world, and visiting New York City for Chinese cuisine and Broadway shows. In the latter two he was always accompanied by his wife Dorothy. In his memoir he said, “I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue higher education in the US and make important contributions in my field. I am also very lucky to have a caring and loving wife who has stood behind me throughout these years for better or for worse. We have raised a large family; all of them are contributing to society in their own way. We are very proud of them. If I had to do it all over again, I would probably be doing the same thing.”

Peter is survived by his wife Dorothy Cheo of Niantic, CT; sister Polly Zhou McElvaney of Silver Springs, MD; daughter and son-in-law Emily and Richard Thomsen of Quonochontaug, RI; son Kenneth Cheo and his partner Darlene Calcagno of Hanover, MA; son and daughter-in-law David and Lynette Cheo of Kensington, MD; daughter and son in-law Martha Cheo and Dale Corzine of New Paltz, NY; son and daughter in-law Stanley and Chris Cheo of Aspen, CO; and grandchildren Kirsten and Ray Thomsen; Savannah, Tyler, Silas, Madison and Carter Cheo; and Riley Corzine.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life at a future date TBA. Condolences can be sent to Dorothy Cheo, 17 Compass Court, Niantic, CT, 06357. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Aurora University at www.Aurora.edu/give. Please select "The Fund for Student Success" and "This is a tribute gift." Then write in "Peter Cheo" as the person you are giving tribute to.