Young Chang

Young Chun Chang, 78, of Littleton, MA, passed away on October 5, 2026, at his home peacefully in his sleep with all his family under the same roof.

Born on December 13, 1947, in Seoul, South Korea, Young was the son of Hyo-Son Chang and Bong-Sam Bae.

He served in the Korean Air Force and afterward traveled abroad with Hyundai, joining workers informally known as the “Construction Warriors.” A specialist in operating heavy equipment and machinery, he worked in the desert constructing the Master Gas System in Saudi Arabia. Their work helped fund South Korea’s modernization during what became known as the “Miracle on the Han River.” The work ethic and discipline he developed at a very young age during those years stayed with him throughout his life.

Young married Ok-Yo Park on December 5, 1979. Together, they raised their eldest daughter, Grace (Eunae Chang) Cloyd, and their son, Minho Chang, sharing 46 years of marriage. No matter the circumstances, he sacrificed and worked tirelessly to make sure his family never went without. His greatest priority was caring for his family, and he never let hardships diminish his commitment to making sure his family was supported.

On April 13, 1987, chasing the “American dream,” he immigrated to the United States with his wife, their two children, and only $5,000. They initially settled in Pepperell alongside extended family. Young worked as a heavy equipment operator, helping install natural gas pipelines throughout Middlesex County.

He later opened businesses of his own, the last two being EM Dry Cleaners in Chelmsford, MA, and Lincoln Town Cleaners in Lincoln, MA. EM was named after his beloved children, Eunae and Minho. He loved serving his community, often sharing music and singing for those who came through the doors. For him, serving his community and making people happy mattered more than making money.

Young had a natural gift for working with his hands and took great pride in figuring out how things worked and how to make them right. Whether making alterations at the cleaners or tackling a project at home, he was the original do-it-yourselfer. He rarely believed something was beyond his ability to repair, often saying with his characteristic confidence, “If someone made it, why couldn’t I fix it?”

That same confidence carried into how he lived. He was kind, wise, and thoughtful, and had the courage to be himself, never discouraged by what others might think of him.

Young was very much an introverted extrovert who loved to sing for family, friends, and strangers alike. He especially loved singing opera and also performed at concerts and festivals throughout Massachusetts. For him, singing was a form of expression and a way to feel close to people.

He and Ok-Yo enjoyed traveling together, visiting Hawaii and Japan and returning to South Korea.

Closer to home, he loved fishing and being by the water, spending many weekends in Gloucester and Newport, RI. At his home in Littleton, he loved working in his garden, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, perilla leaves, and peppers, and sharing his harvest with family, neighbors, and friends.

Among the greatest joys in his life was being a grandfather to Eloise, his cherished granddaughter. Their bond was filled with love, laughter, and countless precious memories. He treasured every moment they shared and took immense pride in watching her grow. She held a very special place in his heart, and his love for her was unwavering. Eloise will miss him deeply, but the love and wisdom he shared with her, along with the memories they made together, will remain with her always. She will forever carry a piece of her beloved grandfather in her heart.

His family and friends will remember the songs he sang, his infectious smile, his laughter, and his selflessness. His family will always be grateful for the sacrifices he made, his devotion, and the love he showed in everything he did.

He is survived by his wife, Ok-Yo Chang; his daughter, Grace Eunae Cloyd; his son, Minho Chang; his son-in-law, Matthew Cloyd; and his granddaughter, Eloise Cloyd.

He will be greatly missed and will remain forever in our hearts and memories.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Young for visiting hours on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 2:00-3:00 pm at the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton, MA 01460. His funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton, MA 01460. 
The burial will be Private.

Arrangements are under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton, MA 01460, 978-486-3709 www.badgerfuneral.com