Stephen Vang Ngoc Vo

Stephen Vang was born to Mr. Stewart Tuoi Van Vo and Mrs. Tram Thi Tran on May 15, 1954, in Saigon, Vietnam.

Stephen’s Education:

• Stephen graduated from Ecole Marie Curie high school in Saigon.

• Stephen continued on to receive a Batchelor of Science degree, with dual majors in Biology and Business, from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was a member of Lamda Chi Alpha Fraternity.

• Stephen earned an MBA in Business from Western Carolina University where he also earned a Master’s Certification in Project Management.

Stephen is preceded in death by his father Stewart Tuoi Van Vo.

Stephen is survived by his mother Tram Thi Tran and 8 younger siblings, plus many nieces, and nephews:

• Jessica Thinh Thi Kim Vo Ngo and family

• Jenni Thao Thi Kim Vo

• Lisa Hanh Thi Kim Vo Chung and family

• Cindy Thu Thi Kim Vo Cao and family

• Diane Phu Thi Kim Vo Smith and family

• Long Thi Kim Vo Yates and family

• Michael Minh Ngoc Vo and family

• Victoria Huong Thi Kim Vo and family

Stephen is also survived by a very dear friend and honorary older brother to the family, Dr. Mark Foley of Atlantic Beach, Florida.

After escaping the Communist takeover of his country in 1975 Stephen ended up in a US refugee camp where he volunteered to assist his fellow refugees by helping prepare a daily Vietnamese/English newspaper for the 20,000 camp residents. When there were not enough bi-lingual Cambodians to help publish the Cambodian newspaper edition, Stephen and a friend from his French high school days translated a French/English edition that a large number of Cambodians could read. Copies of several multicolor newspaper editions still hang on a wall in Stephen's home.

Stephen was very emphatic and compassionate with others in need of help and understanding. In addition to the three languages he studied in school, he set out to learn Spanish to better communicate with some of his mother's care givers. His compassion spilled over to rescuing homeless animals, perhaps springing from how he felt as a refugee needing shelter and help. He sheltered and cared for these animals, a few still with him.

Stephen vacationed at the beach and mountains and visited Seattle. Yellowstone National Park, Florida, Cape Cod, New York City, Washington D.C., and Ottawa, Canada. He followed college sports and Carolina Hurricane hockey.

Along with a large collection of books, Stephen read the Wall Street Journal and News and Observer newspapers every day to stay on top of international news and engage the world around him. His love of travel and continually striving for knowledge was further evidenced by his love of watching the Discovery channel.

He was kind, smart, humorous, and engaged in the world around him. He will be missed by family and friends. His family wants to remember all the kindness and loving support Stephen received.

Your support at this difficult time was very much appreciated and of great comfort to all of the family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com for the Vo family.

Funeral Service and Visitation will be held on Monday, August 22, 2022

Brown Wynne Funeral Home

1701 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh NC 27609

• 10:00 – 10:30AM Service

• 10:30 – 11:30AM Visitation

• 1:00 – 2:00PM Visitation

• 2:00 – 2:30PM Service and Casket Closing

• 2:30 – 3:00PM Police Escorts Stephen to Raleigh Memorial Park

Raleigh Memorial Park

7501 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh NC

• 3:00 – 4:30PM Gravesides Services and Burials