Thach Ngoc Nguyen

Thach Nguyen passed on September 16, 2022, at the age of 85. He lived a remarkable life, given the many tragedies he endured. He was the only child to survive, lost his father at the age of ten, and helped his mother supplement the family income by working odd jobs in the morning hours before his school day started. He graduated from the Military Academy of the Republic of South Vietnam (Trường Võ Bị Quốc Gia Đà Lạt) and rose to the rank of Battalion Commander. His hard work and scholastic ambition earned him the role as an advisor to the Defense Attaché Office. It was through this role that he became friends with a US general. That friendship led to the resettlement of his family in Falls Church, VA upon the loss of his motherland. With the support of the Falls Church Presbyterian Church elders, he settled his family in Virginia. Soon after, he lost his wife and was left to raise his children without extended family help. Later that same year, he lost his last tie to his former life when his mother passed.

Thach Nguyen found work to pay the bills; first in construction to build the Ballston Metro Center and later in various blue collar jobs. His most important work though was to instill the value of work and education to his children. He made huge personal sacrifices to give his children a better life. He remained a widower, passing away 2 weeks shy of his wife’s 47th remembrance, comforted that he achieved his mission as a father.

Thach Nguyen was a man of facts and few words of emotions. He was an avid reader of print newspapers and news magazines. He enjoyed reunions with the academy alumni, holidays with his children, grandchildren, and numerous cousins, and watching the FIFA world cup. His few indulgences were chocolate, Coca Cola, Heineken, and Dubonet.

Thach Nguyen is survived by his children - Minh, Teresa Oanh, Trang (and son in law Mike and grandson Jason Lee), Djung (and daughter in law Phuong Kate and grandchildren Ellese and Cole), Hien Renee (and son in law Adrian and grandchildren Maddy, Cameron, and Ally Tan), and Thang Alex – and numerous cousins whom he loved like his own siblings.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation directly to:

Disabled Vietnamese Veterans and Widows Relief Association

P.O Box 25554, Santa Ana, CA 92799

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (714) 837-5998, (714) 371-7967

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Cáo Phó

Với tấm lòng thương yêu, chúng con kính xin thông báo đến thân bằng quyến thuộc, bạn hữu xa gần là Cha, Ông Nội, Ông Ngoại cũa chúng con là:

Ông Nguyễn Ngọc Thạch, pháp danh Thiện Tâm, sinh ngày 4 tháng 7 năm 1937, cựu sinh viên trường Vỏ Bị Quốc Gia Đà Lạt, khóa 14, Việt Nam Cộng Hòa, đã từ giả cỏi đời lúc 20h03 ngày thứ Sáu, 16 tháng 9, hưởng thọ 85 tuổi. Linh cữu quàn tại National Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Virginia. Điện thoại: 703-560-4400.

Chương trình tang lể ngày thứ Sáu, 30 tháng 9 năm 2022:

Lể Nhập Quan: 9h00

Lể Viếng: 10h00 – 13h00

Lể Di Quan: 13h00

Sau đó linh cữu sẽ được đưa đi an táng tại Oakwood Cemetery, 401 N. Roosevelt Street, Falls Church, Virginia. Điện thoại: 571-365-5551.

Mọi phúng điếu xin và sẻ gửi về:

Hội HO Cứu Trợ Thương Phế Binh và Quả Phụ VNCH

P.O Box 25554, Santa Ana, CA 92799

Trong lúc tang gia bối rối có điều sơ xuất xin niệm tình tha thứ.

Tang gia đồng kính báo.