Obituary of Dr. Peter H.M. Chang

Peter Han Ming Chang, M.D., of Branchburg, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.  He was 94.

Born on March 16, 1932, in Chonqing, China to the late Henry Pai Liang Chang and Mary Shu Chou Chang (Chen), Peter was raised in Shanghai and came to America in 1959, where he established his life, built his career, and became a respected anesthesiologist, devoted husband, and father.

Peter was a leading doctor in his field and was highly regarded by the many doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at St. Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick where he practiced for over 40 years. His time there included serving as Chief of the Anesthesiology Department and President of Medical Staff. Peter was regularly requested as the anesthesiologist to many of the staff physicians and their families. His charm and disposition worked miracles in people’s lives.

Peter graduated from St. Francis Xavier College and Aurora University Medical School - top institutions in Shanghai offering English-speaking educations. The professional dream was always to further his training in America before he settled into a medical career in China but the new regime changed his path. Upon graduating, Peter declined the hospital placement assigned from the new government, which cemented the choice to leave China permanently and begin his life-changing passage to the United States. It was an epic journey that started with paying smugglers to enter Hong Kong, teaching English there for two years, taking that fateful ship to California with his brother Paul, and finding his way to an internship at St. Peter’s Hospital where he met a young nurse, his wife to be, Margaret “Maggie” O’Hare. 

In the years to follow, Peter married Maggie, he passed the challenging language equivalency exam, and moved his young family to West Virginia where Peter completed his anesthesiology residency at West Virginia University.  Later the family settled in Edison after Peter became an anesthesiologist at St. Peter’s Hospital. Together, Peter and Maggie built a warm and loving home centered on faith, family, education, and service. Their greatest joy was raising their nine children. He was deeply proud of each of them and cherished watching his family grow through future generations.

Peter was an avid sportsman, a lover of swimming, tennis, baseball, football, and soccer. A diehard Celtics, Giants and Yankees fan, Peter truly enjoyed watching all professional sports on TV.  More than that, Peter not only loved playing sports with his children, but delighted in watching them play for their scholastic and community sports teams alike. Peter was a phenomenal cook and enjoyed a strong drink. Nothing pleased him more than to go out for a meal with whoever could join him - not too shy to visit the finest dining establishment or the all-you-can-eat buffet. Peter was a voracious reader, pulling all-nighters time and again to finish his coveted spy thrillers, and he loved to sing – although he had a few favorites, he knew the lyrics to countless songs spanning decades. Ever the snappy dresser, Peter loved cars and enjoyed the good life collecting fine watches, pens, and stylish clothing. 

Through it all, Peter lived a magical harmony of eastern and western worlds. Peter grew up in the International Settlement in Shanghai where he was introduced to western style and ideals. There he discovered pastimes like bridge and billiards that he grew to love. His parents’ decision to introduce Catholicism to their Eastern spirituality upbringing, which led to his namesake - St. Peter - and baptism; to the Christian educational outposts that developed his multilingual and Christian identities; to the priests who sponsored Peter - ensuring his safe passage to America; to his commitment to education - “the one thing that can’t be taken away”; and to falling in Iove with his western beauty, Peter truly experienced a worldly life with an unwavering faith in God that led him every step of the way.

To so many, Peter was known for his kindness, integrity, quiet strength, and steadfast dedication to those he loved. He inspired others through his example of hard work, humility, and generosity, and his deep devotion to God. Whether in his professional life or at home, he approached every responsibility with wisdom, patience, and compassion.  He was a gentleman through and through.

Above all else, Peter believed that family was life's greatest blessing. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue through his children and all those whose lives he touched. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Peter is predeceased by his beloved son, Jonathan P. Chang, and his first wife and the loving mother of his children, Margaret O’Hare.  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 25 years, Shu Hua Wang; his eight children, Mary Chang and husband George Yankwitt, Peter Chang, Eileen Machler and husband Brian, Kevin Chang and wife Michelle, Carolyn Chang and husband Peter Martin, Leslie Metzler and husband Thomas, Emily P. Chang, and Terence Chang; fifteen cherished grandchildren, Erica (Chang) Kessler and husband Thomas, Kaitlyn (Chang) Bott and husband Jeffrey, Peter Chang, Jacqueline (Chang) Berk and husband Matthew, Elodie (Machler) Peay and husband Connor, Ryan Chang, Colin Chang, Luke Machler, Madeline (Chang) Bauer and husband Jacob, Jonathan Chang, Matthew Metzler, Emma Carreno, Simon Chang Martin, Quinn Chang Martin and Maya Metzler; five great-grandchildren, Raegan Kessler, Georgia Peay, Caleb Bauer, Marcus Bott and Charles Peay; his brother Paul Chang; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Peter will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.  May he rest in peace with the Lord.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison.  Those who are unable to attend in person may attend the Mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org and following instructions for live-stream mass viewing.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Peter’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.