Dr. Winston Chu, M.D., FACS

Dr. Winston Chu, M.D., FACS, beloved husband, father, brother, friend, and pillar of the Erie community for over 46 years, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Born in Rangoon, Burma, on October 19, 1946, to the late Dr. Chu Ah Chway and Ms. Jane Shek, Winston was the eldest of seven siblings. His parents gave him the Burmese name Win Htin, meaning “shining and distinguished,” qualities he exemplified throughout his life.

At Methodist English High School, he demonstrated from an early age the extraordinary intellect he would one day use to touch countless lives, advancing rapidly through his studies and completing his primary education by the age of 14. He went on to attend Rangoon University, where he chose to pursue medicine, following in the footsteps of his beloved father.

In a story fit for a book, Winston came to the United States in 1971 to train at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, made possible through a relationship his father had formed while serving as a lieutenant colonel during World War II with the renowned I.S. Ravdin. There, he trained as a surgeon under Jonathan Rhoads, who would become both his mentor and one of the most influential figures in the history of Penn Medicine.

In 1979, Dr. Chu moved to Erie, where he devoted his career to serving the community. Over many decades, he practiced as an aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in head and neck surgery, profoundly impacting the lives of countless grateful patients.

After retiring from medicine, Dr. Chu authored his memoir, Reborn: Journeys From the Abyss, recounting his journey as an immigrant to the country he came to love as his own. He also became active in local politics, serving for a time as Vice Chairman of the Erie County Republican Party.

In his later years, after a life filled with world travel and extraordinary experiences, Dr. Chu found contentment in life’s simpler pleasures—quiet reflection, stimulating conversation, and enjoying frequent meals and companionship at home with his dear friend, Lou.

Dr. Chu is survived by his wife of 51 years, Paulette, and his sons, Eric and Marc (and wife, Marisol).

Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd on Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 3 pm until 6:30 pm. Private interment.

May his soul rest in peace and attain Nirvana.