Hao Ngoc Tran

Hao Tran, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026. He was born on May 14, 1964, in Hố Nai, Vietnam.

Hao’s life was a quiet testament to courage, sacrifice, love, and faith. After leaving Vietnam in search of a better future, he made his home in New Hampshire, where he worked diligently to build a life rooted in hope and perseverance. Separated by distance—Hao in the Northeast and Trang Dao in Texas—he nurtured their love through handwritten letters, each one a careful expression of his devotion to the woman who would become his wife and lifelong partner. Across the miles, his words carried patience, tenderness, and an enduring commitment that would ultimately define their marriage.

When Hao and Trang decided to marry, he made one of the greatest sacrifices of his life. With determination and love, he packed up everything he owned, left behind the life and people he had known in New Hampshire, and drove to Texas to begin a new chapter with her. Together, they married in Austin, Texas, and soon after welcomed their first daughter, Lyly Tran. As their family grew, they settled in Pflugerville, Texas; a place Hao proudly called home for the rest of his life.

Hao is lovingly survived by his wife, Trang Dao; his children, Lyly Tran, Huong Tran, and Tram Tran; and his treasured grandson, Dakota Clark. He was a devoted son, a faithful husband, and a hardworking, kind, humorous and selfless father who always put his family first.

From a young age, Hao was known for his many talents. He was an avid soccer player in his youth, playing with passion and teamwork that reflected his character. He was also a natural handyman—skilled, resourceful, and always willing to fix, build, or help wherever needed. This creativity extended into his love of gardening, where he found joy and peace, even designing and building his own koi pond, a symbol of patience, care, and balance.

Hao had a deep love for cooking and took great pride in preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes. His kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and togetherness. He also loved to travel and was fortunate to explore many parts of Asia, Europe, and across the United States; always eager to experience new places while cherishing time with family.

Faith was the cornerstone of Hao’s life. After moving to Austin, he became deeply involved in the Vietnamese Catholic Church, where he was known as a pillar of the Vietnamese Catholic community. He generously gave his time and talents as a volunteer with the church choir and organization LMTT (Liên Minh Thánh Tâm) ; he also frequently served as master of ceremonies for many family weddings, including those of his siblings and in-laws. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Hao used music to praise God and uplift others. His generosity, humility, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

In his final chapter, Hao showed extraordinary strength and courage. As illness entered his life, he fought bravely and endured with quiet resilience. He was able to pass peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his wife, children, and extended family. His passing was a reflection of the life he lived: rooted in love, faith, and family.

Hao Tran is remembered for his generous heart, his willingness to help and serve others, the way he brought people together, and his unwavering devotion to God and family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he raised, and the faith he lived so fully.

Dad, you are forever loved. Your absence leaves a hole in our hearts. Mom and all of us will miss you immensely for the rest of our lives.

Visitation services will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, located at 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas, 78660, on January 14, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and on January 15, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

A Rosary and Mass will take place at Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church, 1107 E Yager Ln, Austin, Texas, 78753, on January 15, 2026, starting at 6:15 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at the same location on January 16, 2026, at 10:00 am.

The committal will occur at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas, 78660, on January 16, 2026, at 11:30 am.