Matthew Hoang

Matthew Gia-Bao Hoang

Our beloved Matthew Gia-Bao Hoang, age 16, passed away on March 30, 2026, surrounded by his parents, sisters, and family. Matthew means “gift from God,” and Gia Bao means “precious family treasure” in Vietnamese. To us, he was absolutely both - a precious gift for our family. Although Matthew did not speak words, his life was a message of courage, resilience, curiosity, and unconditional love.

He was an incredibly brave boy. Despite the many surgeries and medical challenges, he faced, Matthew had a resilience that was quiet and steady. He didn’t let the hard days change who he was.

And he was curious and joyful, always interested in the world around him and finding joy in the simplest things and excitement in the grandest adventures: closely studying a flower, sifting sand through his fingers, chasing waves on the beach, long car rides, scouring the aisles for a new toy during monthly toy runs with dad, scooter rides with dad around the neighborhood, being sandwiched in a “dog-pile” between his two sisters, wading in the ocean with turtles in Hawaii, dangling his legs over the side of a kayak with mom in Lake Tahoe. Matthew’s joy was famously infectious that one of his classes awarded him the “Most Infectious Laugh Award.”

Matthew didn't have a mean bone in his body. If he was ever frustrated or upset, it passed in a heartbeat. He shared his toys with everyone and always affectionate with his snuggles, kisses, hugs, fist pumps, and high-fives for anyone who had a rough day.

He taught us unconditional love, courage, wonder, and patience. He helped us to be better people. We are heartbroken to lose him, but so grateful for the time he was ours and we were his.

He is survived by his parents, Vu Hoang and Evelynn Tran; his sisters, Megan and Allison; his grandmother, Hoa Nguyen; the following aunts & uncles: Joy (Peter) Hoang & 3 children; Quincy Hoang & son; Lan (Chris) Macalino & son; Trac Hoang; Muoi (Giang) Tran, 3 children, & 6 grandchildren; Chieu (Tuan) Tran, 3 children, & 4 grandchildren; Jackie (Thien) Tran, 2 sons, & granddaughter; Alan (Phuong) Tran & 2 sons; Katie Tran & 2 sons; Hanh (Greg) Tran & 2 daughters; and a dedicated community of teachers and caregivers.

VISITATION

Friday, April 24, 2026

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Drawing Room Chapel

300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

4:00-6:00 pm Prayers

6:00-8:30 pm Wake/Reception

FUNERAL SERVICE

Saturday April 25, 2026

Funeral Mass: 10:00 am

Our Lady of La Vang Parish

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

389 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Escorted Funeral Procession to Final Resting Place

Burial: 12:00 pm

Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery

22555 Cristo Rey Dr, Los Altos, CA 94024

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to JW House (www.jwhouse.org) in Matthew’s memory.