Obituary of Jonathan P. Chang

Jonathan Paul Chang, a longtime resident of New Jersey and Florida, passed away unexpectedly. Born in New Brunswick on April 22, 1974, he was raised in Edison with his brothers and sisters in a large, loving family. Jonathan graduated from John P. Stevens High School, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Jonathan is survived by his daughter, Emma Carreno; his son, Jameson; his mother, Margaret O’Hare; his father, Dr. Peter Chang and his wife Shu Hua; his eight siblings, Mary Chang and her husband George Yankwitt, Peter Chang, Eileen Machler and her husband Brian, Kevin Chang and his wife Michelle, Carolyn Chang and her husband Peter Martin, Leslie Metzler and her husband Thomas, Emily Chang, and Terence Chang; several loving nieces and nephews; and many dear friends and colleagues.

Jonathan was incredibly proud of his daughter Emma and her accomplishments, and cherished his time with her.  He loved his family deeply and was a loyal, devoted friend who never hesitated to help anyone in need.

Jonathan found great strength and comfort in God, and Jonathan’s warmth, compassion, and humility were unparalleled.  He was equally fun-loving with a great sense of humor. He had a deep appreciation for music and was a diehard sports fan, rooting for the Yankees, Devils, and Giants with his family.

Jonathan was a gifted athlete.  A pool shark at the age of 5, he enjoyed playing baseball, soccer, and basketball as a child.  As an adult, Jonathan became a triathlete and an avid runner.  He raced in several triathlons, half and full marathons, and traveled to Wales to compete in his second Ironman Triathlon in September 2011.

Jonathan’s love of golf began at a young age.  He was a member of his high school golf team and was captain of his college golf team.  Jonathan excelled in all aspects of the sport and made it his career, most recently as Assistant Caddy Manager at Plainfield Country Club.  During the winter months, he would transition to his home in Florida where he worked in the golf industry as well, including at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter. He treasured the countless friendships he made with club members and colleagues alike.

Our hearts are devastated over the sudden loss of Jonathan.  He leaves behind a tremendous legacy.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison, NJ, 07940

Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison.

Cremation will be held privately for the family.

Charitable contributions may be made in Jonathan’s memory to:  Fern House, 1958 Church Street, West Palm Beach, FL, 33409. https://fernhouse.org/donate/