Herbert Ven-Kong Hu

Surrounded by his family, Herbert Ven-Kong Hu passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, at the age of 96. Herbert was born and raised in Shanghai, China, the first of seven siblings. He married Yu-Ying Liu in 1974, and the couple later had two children, Jeffrey and Mindy.

After completing his undergraduate studies at Shanghai Medical School, Herbert immigrated to the United States in 1967 to attend the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Pharmacy.  After the birth of his children, Herbert returned to school to further his education, receiving his PhD in Pharmacy from St. John’s University in 1982. Herbert’s career in the pharmaceutical industry spanned over thirty years, including over twenty years at Ciba-Geigy (now Novartis), and subsequent engagements at Block Drug Company and Pharmaceutical Formulations.

After retiring, Herbert and Yu-Ying moved from New Jersey to California, where Herbert enjoyed spending time with his grandsons and playing bocce with the neighbors.  Herbert had a lifelong sweet tooth, and enjoyed eating all types of candies, cookies, and other sweets.  He is survived by his wife, Yu-Ying, his children, Jeffrey and Mindy, and his two grandchildren, Owen and Eli.