Peter Chang

Peter completed his earthly journey on April 26, 2017 at home, accompanied by Janny, his wife of 46 years.
Peter Chang Tien Zeng 張天增 was born on Nov 21, 1921 in Hu Nan, China. To escape wars in China, he first went to Europe, then to the US to further his studies in various schools of higher learning, including the London School of Economics. He got his PhD from the New School for Social Research in New York City. Peter was immediately recruited by Norfolk State College (now NSU) where he soon became the department head of Sociology until his retirement in 1990. In view of his contribution to the school, he was named Professor Emeritus in 1991.
After his retirement, he put his knowledge into full practice, promoting Chinese culture and aging population in general and serving Chinese community in particular. As the founder of the Asian Fest, he won countless awards from the Organization for the Chinese Americans (OCA), the City of Norfolk, the State of Virginia, and many organizations for his distinguished services. For years, he taught Safe Food Management Certificate courses in Chinese to restaurant operators. Together with his wife Janny, he did translation for new immigrants in local courts, jails, schools, clinics, wherever and whenever there was the need, hence the title “the professional volunteer” given by the Hampton Roads in the Virginia Pilot.
Peter’s selfless life was a testament to his Catholic faith, which kept him perennially joyful, loving, peaceful and hopeful, bringing these values to all who had been fortunate to encounter, directly and indirectly, his long, active and full life.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 11-12 PM at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road Virginia Beach, VA. Funeral service will follow immediately thereafter. Interment will be held in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please visit click HERE to make donations to (1) The Asian Pacific American Heritage Organization (APAHO) or (2) the Chinese Community Association of Hampton Roads in Peter’s name.