Lichen Dai, 65, passed away peacefully on June 18th, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, and friend, and will be deeply missed by everyone around him.
Lichen was born on June 15th, 1961 in Shanghai, China, where he received most of his early education. Following secondary school, Lichen earned a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at the East China University of Technology. Amongst his many classmates, Lichen was recognized as a hardworking and intelligent student, graduating at the top of his class numerous times. Later, he taught Biochemistry as a professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Due to his outstanding academic performance, Lichen was accepted into the graduate school at UMass Boston, where he studied infectious diseases alongside a team of researchers and eventually earned a Master’s degree in Data Science.
After immigrating to the United States, he met his beautiful wife, Emily, in 2004. Two years later, they married in 2006 and had a child, Katherine, the following year. Lichen raised their daughter in Grafton, Massachusetts for 4 years before relocating to Weston, Massachusetts. At the same time, he worked as a biotech scientist at Sanofi, Agios Pharmaceuticals and Hotspot Therapeutics for the remainder of his lifetime.
Lichen also had a passion for European history, sports, and taking walks, frequently dedicating his free time to these hobbies. He is survived by his wife, Emily, his daughter, Katherine, and his sister, Run.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers and friends who supported him along the way.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. Wellesley on Saturday, June 27th from 10-11am, followed by a funeral service at 11am. Interment in Linwood Cemetery, Weston.