Chicago Fujian Association: 2018

"Duc Hoai Huang

Huang, Duc H., age 82, passed away on Thursday, August 23, 2018 in Chicago. He was born in >> 1935 in Fujian, China. He was a successful business man and the founder of CMAA (Chinese Mutual Aid Association). He is survived by his wife, Hoa; two sons; Dennis and John Huang; four daughters, Yman Vien, Melissa Huang, Marna Chow, and Monica Mui; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Visitation at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, Friday, August 31, 2018 and Saturday, September 1, 2018 from 4 - 8pm. Funeral Sunday, September 2, 2018 from 9am- 11am. Entombment Rosehill Cemetery. Info 773-561-6874 or visit www.drakeandsonfuneralhome.com

Duc Hoai Huang, 1935 to 2018

Duc Huang was born into a wealthy and prestigious family in Fujian, China. He was the oldest of 10 children. At 9 years old, he left his hometown, with his parents and a younger brother. In his new town, Cholon, Vietnam, he worked hard and self-studied, while assisting his parents to raise his 9 younger siblings. His hard work made him a successful businessman. At age 23, he married Hoa Thai, age 19. They had their first child, daughter Yman, when he was 24 years, followed by Melissa, Marna, Monica, Dennis and John. He always gave the best to his children, and provided a comfortable life. During the Fall of Saigon, in 1975, Duc Huang tried numerous times to escape to the countryside. He found success in 1977. He escaped with his two daughters, Yman and Melissa, and two sons, Dennis and John. Their first stop was a refugee camp in Malaysia. Later that year, they received sponsorship from the Jewish Family and Community Services and started their journey to Chicago in 1978. As soon as he arrived in Chicago, at the age of 42, with little to no English, he began working hard as an entry level mechanic to support his family. He also worked tirelessly to bring his wife and two other daughters, Marna and Monica, to the United States. He would frequently tell his new friends and social worker, " I want reunite my wife and my daughters. I don’t care if you give me Sears tower! I just want them to escape successfully, and come to Chicago". A year later, in 1979, his wish came true! His wife and two daughters were finally reunited with him in Chicago. Duc Huang and his wife worked hard for several years, before opening their own garment factory in Chinatown. Using his experiences in Vietnam, and his strategic business mind, he became a successful entrepreneur in Chicago. His factory provided over 50 employment opportunities to the Chinese community in Chicago. Which was relatively unheard of at the time. His proudest accomplishment was that he was a taxpayer! He was giving back to the country that was generous to him and his family. Duc Huang was always thankful for his journey and the life he had, so in 1981, he and his daughter, Yman founded Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA). This organization would extend the same hospitality and helpfulness he received, to new Chinese immigrants and other newcomers. He knew that for any newcomer to succeed in their new life in the US, they must be able to build and maintain a strong family, and be a part of a community that is similar to what they had in their homeland.

Building beyond Mr. Huang’s original intention to preserve Chinese culture and traditions, CMAA has since become a pan-immigrant agency that employs a diverse group of staff that speaks over 20 languages and cater to all immigrants and citizens in the community. His vision of creating a social services agency in an urban environment has not only come true, but has expanded into the north and northwest suburbs of Illinois. CMAA has been able to help thousands of refugees and immigrants to begin new lives in this country. In 1988, Duc Huang felt strongly about his root and heritage from Fujian, China that he founded the Chicago Fujian Association for friends and newcomers from his home town. This group would get together regularly to celebrate traditional holidays and speak the dialect from their home town.

Duc Huang was also the President, of Chicago Wong’s Family Association which is one of the major family names in China. He was also elected as the first non-Cantonese President for the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) in 1997 – 1998. During this term, he made a large purchase of thousands of cemetery interment plots. provided Chinese families an affordable price for their final resting place. Many families were able to benefit, and more families will continue to benefit from this wise and sympathetic decision.

He was appointed as the Overseas Commissioner for the Overseas Community Affairs Council, Republic of China from 2000 to 2006, as a liaison to advocate for Chinese compatriots and democracy across the globe. Lastly, in his prolific career, he served as President of the Chicago OnLeong Merchant Association from 2016 – 2018.

In his retirement, Duc Huang continued his support for CMAA, as an advisor and member of the Board of Directors. He also continued to be a productive fundraiser for the organization.

In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf and staying up to date on the newest Apple gadget. Many will remember his impeccable style in quality clothing and always carrying the newest iPhone.

Duc Huang celebrated 59 years of a happy and loving marriage with his wife. They worked together side by side for many years, created a loving home for their children and enjoyed travelling the globe. He enjoyed watching their 6 children blossom into successful individuals, and building their own families. Mr. Huang was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

His 9 younger siblings are grateful to have an older brother who was always there for them. His siblings, along with their families give Duc Huang the utmost respect and praise.

He passed away with his wife, 2 sons and their wives, 3 daughters and their husbands, and 2 of his grandsons by his bedside. His family is grateful to be with him for the last moments of his journey in this life.

His legacy is his heartfelt commitment, energetic presence, and social activism in the Chinese community.

His vision and legacy is now being carried by his daughter, Yman Huang Vien, who will continue his path and passion of helping the Chinese and other ethnic communities, as well as, continuing to give back to the community that welcomed him and his family years ago"