In Loving Memory of Dr. Hsiao-Chih Chang (Zhang Xiao Zhi) (1949–2025)
Dr. Hsiao-Chih Chang, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, and friend, passed away suddenly on October 10, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of 75.
He was born on October 11, 1949, in Shanghai, China, the eldest son of Zhang Xiu Wei and Zhang Zhi Xiang. His father passed away before his birth, and he was lovingly raised by his mother and stepfather, Yao Zheng Wang. In 1956, the family moved to Beijing, where Hsiao, as the eldest of four siblings, led by example—steadfast, compassionate, and devoted to his family.
Hsiao’s high school education in China was interrupted by the Cultural Revolution, during which he and many of his contemporaries were “re-educated” in the countryside on collective farms. When universities re-opened at the end of this turbulent period, he beat the odds by scoring well on competitive national entrance exams and attended Ningbo Teacher’s College, majoring in Chinese Language and Literature.
In 1976, he married Guo Zheng, his lifelong partner and their son Sucheng was born in 1979. In 1980, Hsiao immigrated on his own to the United States to pursue his academic dreams and pave a new beginning for his family. In 1983, he moved to Newton, Massachusetts, starting out as a tenant of Barbara Lipke who remained dear to him throughout his life. The Lipke family were generous and supportive, helping with the sponsorship of his wife and son when they immigrated in the late 80s. Having received a new start in the US, the family welcomed daughter Violet in 1990.
Hsiao earned a B.A. in English (1985), M.A. in English as a Second Language (1986), M.A. in English (1988) from UMass Boston, and a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics (1997) from Boston University, writing a dissertation titled “The Acquisition of Chinese First Person Reference.”
He taught at Boston University for over 30 years, offering courses in Chinese Language, Chinese Civilization, Chinese Food Culture, Classical and Vernacular Chinese Literature, Chinese Architecture, Calligraphy, and Touring China. He was a dedicated educator and an incredible writer, inspiring generations of students with his knowledge, passion, and guidance.
Hsiao was also a man of many talents and hobbies. He loved practicing chinese calligraphy, painting, drawing, gardening, beekeeping, ping-pong, swimming, and playing the violin, approaching each with curiosity and creativity.
Above all, Hsiao was devoted to his family, offering love, guidance, and support across continents. Even in his final moments while going into cardiac arrest, his courage and composure shone—safely guiding his car off a highway to protect his beloved wife.
He is survived by his wife Guo Zheng, his children Sucheng and Violet, five grandchildren, his siblings, and countless friends, students, and colleagues.
Hsiao will be remembered for his intellect, artistry, kindness, and unwavering love of family. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing.
Visitation will take place on October 20th 2025 from 9-11 a.m. at the Newton Cemetery and Arboretum Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of his name to these charities:
-- For care of the Newton Cemetery and Arboretum, preservation, conservation and to support their public programs https://www.newcemcorp.org/product/annual-fund/
--Give the gift of honeybees to support a family in need https://www.heifer.org/give/gift-catalog/animals/gift-of-honeybees?msource=KIK1X25NB 0344&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=tp_animalnonbr and_20240829&utm_content=163922094702&utm_term=save%20the%20bees&gad_so urce=1&gad_campaignid=21645227030&gbraid=0AAAAAD-z_FN55EY_zM7pvInCPG3 XOGcCc&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjL3HBhCgARIsAPUg7a7_JvVwFno2bNW4r1jNd8_5DtfHy7fN 5J1G8pa3yTlt7GCEiMQ_8SUaAntmEALw_wcB
-- Donate to the Hidden Valley Camp’s level ground scholarship fund to impact children’s lives and maintain diversity at Hidden Valley Camp https://hiddenvalleycamp.com/alumni/#donate