San Francisco Superior Court Judge Andrew Y.S. Cheng Dies at 58 After Nearly 16 Years on Bench

San Francisco is mourning the passing of Judge Andrew Y.S. Cheng, a highly respected San Francisco Superior Court judge, who died on August 8, 2025, at the age of 58 after an illness. Judge Cheng, a distinguished Asian American jurist, served on the bench for nearly 16 years, leaving a significant impact on the city's legal landscape. He passed away surrounded by his wife and children.

Appointed to the San Francisco Superior Court in September 2009 by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Judge Cheng presided over a diverse range of cases, including criminal, civil, complex litigation, and probate matters. His most recent assignment was in a civil trial department at the Civic Center Courthouse, showcasing his extensive legal acumen.

Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Cheng held prominent roles in public service. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California from 2003 to 2009, and before that, he was a Deputy City Attorney in the San Francisco City Attorney's Office from 1997 to 2003. During his time as a city attorney, he was recognized for groundbreaking litigation against the tobacco industry.

Tributes have poured in from across the legal community, highlighting his dedication and character. Presiding Judge Rochelle East stated, "This is a sad day for our court as we mourn the loss of a cherished colleague who brought humility, kindness and judicial excellence every day he served San Franciscans." Charles H. Jung, President of The Bar Association of San Francisco & Justice & Diversity Center, added that Judge Cheng "exemplified the highest ideals of judicial service, blending profound legal acumen with unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to justice for all San Franciscans." The Chinese American Democratic Club expressed gratitude for his "significant contributions & his family’s ongoing efforts to make San Francisco a better place for all."

Born on March 20, 1967, Judge Cheng earned his B.A. summa cum laude from Columbia University in 1989 and his J.D. from Yale Law School in 1992. He was an active member of the Asian American Bar Association and the Bar Association of San Francisco, and also served as an elder at Old First Presbyterian Church. A memorial service is scheduled for August 23, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Old First Presbyterian Church in San Francisco. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne, and their three children, Samuel, Joshua, and Annie.