Beloved father and husband, Van Van Tran, passed away with his family at his bedside at Orlando Regional Medical Center on Thursday, September 21st, 2023 at age 65 after a sudden illness.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Phuong Kim Tran, eldest son Troy Minh Tran and his wife Shanna, and youngest son Khuong Minh Tran.
Born June 10, 1958 in Ben Tre, Vietnam, Van met Phuong at a New Year’s celebration with friends in 1978 and they were married soon after. In 1981, they boarded a tiny boat with 60 other refugees and fled their home country and the post-war regime. After being rescued by the USS Roark in the South China Sea, they passed through multiple refugee camps before finally making their way to the United States and beginning their new life in Boston, Massachusetts.
From humble beginnings, Van made honest work as an automotive mechanic, and the pair soon had two sons. In 1990, they officially became American citizens and relocated to Orlando, Florida for warmer weather. Van doted on his family at every opportunity and worked hard to provide the best life possible for them.
Once his sons were grown, Van enjoyed traveling with his wife to various locations around the globe, jet-setting to destinations in Australia, Canada, Japan, Indonesia, Europe, and Thailand. He is best described as a quiet, gentle soul with a delightfully subtle sense of humor, who could befriend people from all walks of life. He was an exemplary man in the most understated way: warm, loving, committed, and selfless. His memory will be cherished by all those who had the privilege to know him.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at A Community Funeral Home & Sunset Cremations located at 910 W. Michigan St.