Neal Yee-Chi Cheng

Born on May 8, 1948 under the solar calendar, Neal often joked that his true birthday was actually on the lunar calendar, so he celebrated when he felt it was the right time. Later, he chose to celebrate alongside his first grandchild, a gesture that reflected his deep devotion to family.

Born in the Year of the Rat, Neal embodied the Rat’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and unwavering loyalty. He was a ferociously devoted grandfather to Mallory (11), Finnley (7), and Veronica (6), delighting in quizzing them on math problems and sharing meals at their favorite restaurants. His love for dining out with family was well known in Louisville, where many local servers recognized Neal and his wife Catherine on sight. Even when his children dined out without them, staff would ask after Neal and Catherine and pass along their best wishes.

Neal was born in Tianjin in north China, not far from Beijing. He was the middle son of three boys, older brother, Michael (died 2024) and younger brother, Simon. At age 3, his family relocated to the port city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Neal and his brothers lost both their parents at a young age, and they were cared for by their beloved Gu Nai Nai. For years after moving to the states, Neal visited Gu Nai Nai regularly on his trips to Asia until she passed at age 108.

After college, Neal served his requisite two years in the Taiwanese military, then departed for the United States for college and to follow his life’s love, Catherine Sun. Neal earned his master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, setting the stage for a lifelong career in engineering and entrepreneurship. He later earned a second master’s degree in business from Bellarmine University.

Neal married Catherine on July 21, 1973, beginning a 52-year partnership filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Together, they had two sons, Eric and Jason.

In 1978, Neal began his professional career in Louisville where he soon met Charles Lauer, who became a lifelong friend. Together, they founded Project Engineering in 1988, a venture that grew to include an office in Hefei, China. At its peak, the company employed 12 people, a reflection of Neal’s vision and leadership.

Neal was mostly retired but maintained oversight of the company through his final days. His lightened work schedule allowed him to travel with his family and grandchildren, including a trip to Cancun last year and a trip to Hawaii just last month. He was already making plans for the next family trip, and cherished all the photos from each adventure.

Neal is survived by his beloved wife Catherine, sons Eric Cheng (Kerri Richardson) and Jason Cheng (Tara Conzelman), his three adored grandchildren Mallory, Finnley and Veronica, his brother Simon Cheng (Mei Ling) and many nieces and nephews.

Neal’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished. He will be deeply missed and remembered with love.

Visitation will be held at Crescent Hill Baptist Church (2800 Frankfort Ave., Louisville) on Saturday, August 2 from 11am to 3pm. A memorial service will be held at the church on Sunday, August 3 at 2 pm.

Memorial gifts may be made in honor of Neal to Crescent Hill Baptist Church, the Lord’s Kitchen or Kentucky Refugee Ministries.