I worked with John and Oanh in Jacksonville in the 1990s.  I met John first  and really enjoyed his easygoing manner.  He had a good sense of humor, was very good at tennis, and had a very genuine smile.  We saw each other every day at work,  went on some work trips together and overlapped at social gatherings in those early years before kids.  I wish I had stayed in touch after Angie and I moved away in 1999.  I saw John once more in the early 2000s in Huntsville, when we bumped into one another in the hall at my new workplace.  He still had that easy and kind smile.  His unassuming yet confident way he carried himself was a good example for us all.  John Tran was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.  God bless you Oanh, Julie and Adam and peace be with your family.

John was one of my engineers at NAWC-TSD, always had a smile and a good heart.  My condolences to Oanh and his family.
V/r Greg Manross

The sadness I feel from Cau Vong's passing is more than I can express. He was such an important part of my childhood and life. I am grateful for his positive impact which I know has reached many others.

I will always remember his generosity, brilliance, and sense of humor. I like to think some of his unrivaled humor has rubbed off on me, especially his dad jokes and puns.

There are so many memories that I'll forever cherish, including the time spent outdoors riding bikes through trails, canoeing, or hanging out at the soccer fields. I also remember being so excited to visit Cau Vong and his family and staying over with them in Orlando, or being just as excited when they visited Jacksonville.

Sending all my love to his family during this difficult time, I find solace that heaven has gained such a wonderful soul. He has always succeeded in taking care of his family, and I know he will continue to do so.

Cau Vong, I love you and I miss you. Until we meet again.

Love,
Dzung

Mr. Tran was truly one of the kindest people I've ever had the privilege of knowing.

When I moved to Orlando, Adam was one of the first friends I made. As the son of Haitian immigrants, my parents were understandably very protective about whose house I could stay at and who I rode with. But after meeting Mr. Tran just once, they trusted him completely. From that point on, I was always welcome in their home and could count on him for rides to and from soccer games without a second thought.

I'll never forget him coaching our 8th grade soccer team. I wasn't the best player by any means, but that never mattered to him. He always made sure I got plenty of playing time and made every one of us feel like we belonged. Even now, at 32 years old, some of my favorite childhood memories are from that season with Mr. Tran on the sidelines.

He was hardworking, kind, loving, funny, and the type of person who quietly made a lasting impact on everyone around him. The influence he had on my life, and on so many of my closest friends during those formative years, will never be forgotten.

Thank you, Mr. Tran, for the kindness, generosity, and memories that have stayed and will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Rest in peace. You will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you.

Chu Vong was my uncle who accepted the fact that a niece or nephew would randomly walk through his door unannounced.  His home was always open to family and he would take Khanh and me along for outings to the park/soccer practices.  I have memories of him re-stringing tennis racquets for his family and friends, hosting crawfish boils and being at every wedding.  He has touched so many lives and I cherish the memories.  Condolences and blessings to his family.

Sitting at the kitchen table with my dad, he was sharing that they were friends at UCF, and that he was the best of them - the kindest soul. 

Chu Vong was vibrant, bright, light hearted, and hilarious. But more than that, he was present, engaged, attentive, and so kind. I remember when the family had just moved to Orlando from Jacksonville, and we would go over to their little apartment on Friday nights so the parents could play tennis and the kids could play. He made sure each of us had enough food, and he would come out and check on us playing and hang out with us for a little while. When we went on family ski trips, because there were so many of us, I would go to Chu Vong to help me with my ski jacket and gloves while my parents helped my younger siblings. 

Chu Vong and co Oanh’s house became the meet up house for our family. And it’s a BIG family… it speaks volumes about his easy going, caring, loving nature to open his home (literally, the doors were wide open and we flowered in and out) and host for all the big and small gatherings. 

Most preciously and beautifully, Chu Vong's spirit of family, love, and care are reflected in his fiercely loving, caring, and loyal family. Co Oanh, Yen, and Tai are THERE. For one another, for chu Vong, and somehow for all of us too. My heart is so full thinking of countless moments your extraordinary family has helped facilitate over the years. Yen is so open and inviting of ALL of us cousins and our kids to come stay with her. She’s had 14 of us in her home before in the guest rooms, on couches, air mattresses and the floor. From 3 months old to 40 years old. Co Oanh is always one of the first ones in for all of the family moments. She’s there snuggling & propping up vomiting babies, getting  her 9 great nieces and nephews ao dais for Tet 🥰

We don’t know why our most beautiful souls get taken from us too soon, but sometimes I think God says, “Your are ready to be with me now and you did an amazing job with your family”.

What I’ll remember the most about Chu Vong is his generosity with his time. Not only was he there for his family, but he never thought twice when it came to being there for his kids’ friends and cousins. 

For practically every summer as a kid I was always welcomed to stay with his family for days at a time while he drove us to and from camps and trainings, and personally coaching us. Long drives were filled with him jamming (terribly) to 2000’s pop songs that were waaaay past his years, roasts of Tai and his friends, and of course, so many egg McMuffins. 

His impact on those around him is clear, as his family shows that same capacity for love and care for those around them and I know he’ll be missed by many. 

Rest in peace Chu Vong, the funniest uncle, coach, and the one who started my obsession with crawfish (not sure if I should be thanking you for that one…).

Cau Vong made a tremendous impact on my life and played a huge role in shaping the person I am today.  His kindness, generosity, and sense of humor are things that I will cherish and miss forever.

One of my favorite memories was when he would ask “Do you want to go to Crazy Buffet?” I would say yes, and he would reply “Are you crazy?!” It never failed to make me laugh as it was a funny dad joke. I also remember when he bought my brothers and I a basketball hoop and installed it on our driveway for us to play for countless hours. He was always the type of person who was thinking of others.

His generosity was even more than just buying gifts. I remember when I was showing him one of my favorite guitars that I was still making payments on. Without hesitation, he tried to send me $500 to help pay it off. Again, he was always the type of person who was thinking of others and would try to help without being asked. 

The biggest impact he had on my life came after he suffered aneurysm and stroke years ago. This was devastating as he was an uncle and godfather I truly cared for. Seeing him work tirelessly for many hours through rehabilitation at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital and being able to witness all the progress he made was inspirational. Because of him, I chose to pursue physical therapy as a career. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work on the same unit where he was once a patient, and I eventually earned a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy. Every patient I had the privilege to help to this day has carried a small legacy with him because it was my love for him that led me down this path. 

Cau Vong, thank you for helping me become the person I am today. Your love, kindness, generosity, and laughter will stay with me for the rest of my life. I can’t wait until we meet again to share some drinks and feast at Crazy Buffet.

We all love you so much and miss you more than words can express. See you soon.

Your favorite nephew, 
Tuan

My condolences to the family. John was a good guy and a good friend.  I will never forget his kindness and the laughs we shared as co-workers and friends.  May he rest in peace.

To John’s family,

John was a good man who cared for the widow and the orphans like my children and I were when we had just arrived in Orlando. John made it possible for me to start believing that there was hope for us and that I should trust God instead of the circumstances. Forever I will be grateful and bless you, his family with the tender kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that you will be carried in his arms during this time of mourning but also that you may rejoice in knowing that John has gone to be home with the Lord of lords. All my thoughts of comfort and that God be a shield around you. 

Claudia, (Yoan’s mom)

Dear Adam, Dear Julie, 
and Family,

I was deeply saddened to hear about your dad’s passing. 
It is hard for me to put into words the impact your dad has had on my life. When I arrived in Orlando, I was going through some of the hardest times of my life, mourning the death of my father and moving to a foreign country with my mom and my sister. The kindness and love your parents showed me and my family during those times helped us more than you can imagine. I would have never been able to play the sport I love to such levels and make so many great memories if it wasn’t for his support and encouragement. I can honestly say that I would not be the person I am today if God had not put him and your family in my path.
I will never forget everything he has done for me and my family. May he rest in peace at our Father’s side. 
You will always have a special place in our hearts and in our prayers.

With love, 

Yoan

Really miss the simple days of family times with Cau Vong. I recall the days of visiting and having sleep overs with the cousins. Even recall going to the beaches together as a family too. Days of going upstairs that no one uses besides a ping pong table or a Sega console from the older older house. Not to mention no AC upstairs lol. Bbq hosting at the home. Letting Cau Vong borrow movie series Chronicles of Riddick. Again, miss the simple times together. This is not a goodbye, it's a see you later Cau Vong. The other family members should be guiding you around in the heavens. Love you, shall see you again in due time.

I’m so sorry for your loss. Mr. Tran, as we loving called him in elementary school, was always present at our sporting events. He was always cheering for us and helping us do better. Soccer was so much fun under his guidance. I’ll never forget those Good Shepherd days <3

I think one of the most touching moments in recent years was watching Julie’s father daughter dance. It brought tears to my eyes to watch him dance with his baby girl on her big day. It’s a moment that will never be forgotten. 

We love you, Mr. Tran! Enjoy heaven and watching over all of us.

One of the things I’ll always remember about Uncle Johnny is how he could make me laugh. I also remember thinking that he and Dì Oanh were so athletic for “old people.” 😊 Now that I’m in my 40s, I realize the 40s aren’t old at all!

We were so blessed to have known Uncle Johnny. He and Dì Oanh did such an incredible job raising my awesome cousins, Julie and Adam. Sending my love and prayers to everyone.
Leala Moen

Cau Vong was the only adult in the picture, but honestly… we all know he was the biggest kid. Kid aside, I will always be grateful for his support and guidance especially when we first arrived to the US. He will be deeply missed!

I have so many memories with John Tran or Papa Tran as Adam and me used to call him. 

I remember our 3v3 tournaments that he would coach, and all the times Adam, Julie, and me played together because of John. His passion was his kids and always wanting to be involved. I felt like one of them on the field and off the field because of his love. 

I remember all the times Adam, him and me were traveling for soccer games in the van, staying at hotels, and eating together. He was so involved in our soccer lives and I wouldn’t have even been on the same team as my best friend Adam, had he not vouched for me.  Early morning drives. Late night dinners. He was determined to take care of us and get the best out of us. You knew he cared. When my dad would take me, and John would take Adam to the games, you can bet the 4 of us were gonna get some food and hang out afterwards.  This is because our relationships with our dads mirrored each other; best friends hanging out with their other best friends who just so happened to be their dads. 

I also remember him wearing Jordan’s untied and he definitely introduced us to that because it looked cool. Papa Tran had style. He was that cool dad that all the kids looked up to.  His charisma commanded respect from everyone. 

 I was always allowed to come over like it was my home and always felt welcome.  I remember going over to Adam’s house for cookouts and Papa Tran  was always out there cheffing up some crawfish. I was a part of their family, coming over, watching them do karaoke and play dominoes, while me and Adam were eating wings, spring rolls, and so much other food. It was the best. I mean how lucky was I to be able to go to a family reunion and just eat some of the best food in town with my best friend and his family. 

Papa Tran was always giving and asking for nothing in return. He gave everyone his time and his love. I’m forever grateful for his generosity, love, acceptance, kindness, and determination.

Chu Vong loved sports and family. With such a fun and athletic family, he could enjoy both of these together. I remember how he loved watching Yen and Tai play sports growing up. He was always there, always invested. He loved playing tennis with Co Oanh. I know he’s in Heaven now, still cheering for his children and celebrating a lifelong love with the best partner a person could ever ask for.

My deepest condolences to the Tran family.

I met John many years ago through our sons, who attended the same school from Pre-K through middle school and shared a love for soccer. Over the years, I came to know John as a wonderful father, a true friend, and great  coach and mentor. He was generous with his time, always encouraging and supporting the young athletes he coached, and he made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

We shared many soccer tournaments and road trips with our boys, creating memories that I will cherish forever. John's kindness, friendship, and dedication to others will never be forgotten.

Godspeed, my friend. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to you and your family 💐

Rest in Peace, Johnny 🙏❤️

Our condolences are with the families.

I always enjoyed talking daddy’s ear off and keeping him company whenever he was working hard and doing yard work!

OBITUARY

Vong Cong Tran

December 21, 1960 – July 3, 2026

Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill & Chapel Hill Cemetery

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