Remembering Chieu Nguyen

Nguyen Sang Chieu, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and formal naval officer of the Republic of Vietnam Navy, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at the age of 73.

Born on May 18, 1952, in My Tho, Vietnam, Chieu was raised by his great uncle and aunt. He had fond memories of his childhood filled with friends and family. He met his sweetheart and lifelong partner, Yennga, in 1969 at his relative’s pharmacy. He graduated from the South Vietnam Naval Academy in Nha Trang in 1973. In 1975, during the Fall of Saigon, he made the heartbreaking decision to escape with his two youngest brothers. Arriving in the United States as a refugee with little more than hope and determination, he began rebuilding his life from the ground up. In 1978, he was finally reunited with his love in New Ulm, MN. Through perseverance and hard work, he became a successful senior research electrical engineer at 3M in St. Paul, MN and resided in Woodbury, MN. After retiring from 3M in 2013, Chieu said the sunshine and beach were calling. Yennga and he relocated to Sun City Center, Florida, where they enjoyed the rest of his days.

Even though he had faced many obstacles and difficulties in life, Chieu always found a solution and a way to provide for his family. He never complained about his struggles and continued to smile, laugh, and see the vivid colors of life. He enjoyed singing, dancing, playing keyboard, traveling, golfing, fishing, archery, and gathering friends and family for good food and laughs. In his final moments, he stated he has lived a great life with no regrets. He will be known for his courage, determination, intelligence, love, humor, kindness, and warmth. 

Above all, Chieu was devoted to his family. He is preceded in death by his parents Nguyen Van Chieu and Tran Thi Bich Cau, and his younger brother, Nguyen Quang Chieu. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Nguyen Thi Yennga, his children, Nguyen Dang Lam, Linh Yen Veire (Evan), his two cherished grandchildren, Maya and Lana, and his siblings, Nguyen Ly Chieu, Nguyen Anh Chieu, Nguyen Hue Chieu, Nguyen Minh Chieu (Kim Dung), Nguyen Yen Chieu (Vu Tien Dung), Nguyen Bich Kieu, Nguyen Bich Tieu (Warren), Nguyen Kinh Luan, Nguyen Minh Giam (Mai Thao).

A visitation will be held on February 23, 2026 at Sun City Center Funeral Home followed at 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM by a mass at Prince of Peace Catholic Church on February 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Donations may be made to the Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

Nguyen Sang Chieu’s life was a testament to service, sacrifice, joy, and compassion. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.