Tam Thanh Ly

1936~2023 Springfield, VA – Ly Thanh Tam, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away April 23, 2023 at 2:20 pm. Tam was born in Long Mỹ, Rạch Giá Province, Vietnam on February 18, 1936 to Ly Thanh Lieng and Nguyen Thi Lien where he was the second youngest of 10 children. He was educated in Saigon and graduated in 1954 from the Lycée Petrus Ky, one of the oldest operating high schools in Vietnam. As part of a joint US Department of State and Republic of Vietnam program, Tam traveled to the United States to study at Michigan State University from 1961-1962. Tam served in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and rose to the rank of Major. While in the ARVN he taught English at the Vietnamese Armed Forces Language School and served as the chief protocol officer to Cao Văn Viên, Chairman of the South Vietnamese Joint General Staff.

Tam met his wife Pham Thi Thanh-Tan (Christine) in 1974 at a social gathering with one of his best friends. Tam and Christine married a few months later on December 31, 1974 in Saigon. They evacuated Saigon on April 26, 1975, by U.S. air transport four days before the fall of Saigon. They were transported to the Philippines, Guam, and then California. Through the assistance of Catholic Relief Charities, they were sponsored by a family in Fairfax, VA. Tam worked various jobs in his new home country before settling into a career as a real estate agent. Tam and Christine became proud naturalized American citizens in 1985. One of Tam’s greatest joys is seeing the next generation of his extended family thrive and prosper.

Tam’s favorite hobby in retirement was calling his son at work to remind him to buy the winning Powerball ticket for his father. Tam did hit the family jackpot though, he loved his daughter-in-law Michelle Rounds Ly and her parents Dr. Norman and Peggy Rounds. He took every opportunity to hug and kiss his two grandsons and to hear about their adventures. He was always overjoyed seeing and laughing with his many nieces and nephews at family celebrations. He is thankful for many kind and loyal friends throughout his life.

He is forever loved by his wife Christine, son Raymond (Michelle), grandsons Rémy and Xavier, and so many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 5:00-8:00 pm. A visitation will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 at 10:00 am followed by a service at 11:00 am. Buddhist prayers will follow the service and a burial service will be held at 1:30 pm. All events will be held at National Funeral Home & Memorial Park (7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042).