Recently, a memorial service was held in Chinatown for Mr. Weng Ruliang, the Honorary President of the New York Chaozhou Association, who passed away at the age of 101 on September 30. Friends and family gathered to honor his legacy, reflecting on his approachable nature and dedication to public welfare. They noted his commitment not only to the Chaozhou community in New York but also to his hometown in China, where he contributed to infrastructure projects and supported the establishment of elder care facilities and kindergartens.

Weng Ruliang held several esteemed positions, including Honorary Chairman of the Overseas Chinese Federation in Chaozhou, Guangdong, Honorary President of the New York Chinese American Cultural Center, and Chairman of the board of the Weng Group in New York.

According to his family, Mr. Weng was originally from Weng Village in Jinshishachi, Chaoan County, Guangdong Province. In 1973, he moved to New York with his wife and four children from Hong Kong. Upon arriving, he established a trade company to promote products from China and Hong Kong to the local market. During the booming economy of the 1970s, he successfully ventured into the hotel and real estate sectors, becoming a model for Chaozhou entrepreneurs in the U.S.

His friends and family emphasized his generosity and commitment to community service, particularly his concern for fellow Chaozhou residents in New York. He played a pivotal role in supporting various activities of the association, including a significant donation of $100,000 towards the purchase of a new community center, which led to him being named “Forever Honorary President” of the association.

Family members also highlighted his enduring connection to his homeland, as he was actively involved in trade between the U.S. and China, fostering economic ties between the two countries. He frequently donated funds to improve infrastructure in his hometown and supported local initiatives like elder care and kindergarten facilities. In 2010, he was appointed Honorary Chairman of the Overseas Chinese Federation in Chaozhou.

The memorial service for Weng Ruliang took place on November 11 in Chinatown, attended by representatives from the New York Chaozhou Association and the Chinese American Cultural Center. The farewell ceremony concluded on December 12, with his final resting place in a cemetery designated by the Chaozhou Association in New Jersey.