Phero Nguyen Van

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Phero Nguyen Van who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Phero Nguyen Van was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Phero Nguyen Van knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Phero Nguyen Van was born on February 13, 1926 in Bach Tinh, Nam Dinh, Vietnam to Mr. Nguyen Trinh and Mrs. Nguyen Thi Cau. He was raised in Nam Dinh, Vietnam together with nine siblings, Chau, Thu, Tu, Hoang, Huong, Cuu, Bang, Van, and Sac. Even as a youngster, Phero Nguyen Van learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life. Phero Nguyen Van had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Phero Nguyen Van, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Phero Nguyen Van 's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, he enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In his spare time he liked playing soccer and chess.

Phero Nguyen Van was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Nguyen was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Phero Nguyen Van came to expect his high standards of performance. Some of his best friends were Nguyen Dam and Nguyen Truong.

An objective and conscientious individual, Nguyen reveled in the security of his family. In 1945 Phero Nguyen Van exchanged wedding vows with Nguyen Thi Tram at a Catholic Church of Nam Dinh, Viet Nam. Phero Nguyen Van was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Phero Nguyen Van was blessed with eight children: My Linh, Thanh Mai, Trong Cuong, Ngoc Anh, Bich Lien, Anh Dung, and Bich Uyen. They were also blessed with seventeen grandchildren: Nhu Mai, Quynh Ly, Tu, Tuan, Mai Anh, Nguyen Khoi, Dan Chau, Dan Phuong, Anh Khoa, Anh Quan, Kinh Luan, Nhu An, Hoang Duy, Anh Thu, Anh Viet, Mai Lan, Dan Thanh; and four great-grandchildren.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Phero Nguyen Van was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. In both his personal and professional environments, Nguyen upheld his standards. His primary occupation was an excellent businessman. He did business in the city of Nam Dinh, until the signing of the Treaty of Genève in October of 1954. The treaty split the country in two, and he immigrated to Southern Vietnam to live in Saigon. In Saigon, he continued to do business, importing and selling bicycles and motorized vehicles.

Being generous with his time and energy, Phero Nguyen Van liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. A civic-minded person, Phero Nguyen Van was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. He was also politically active, particularly within the Catholic Church. He was the chairman of Dang Dan Chu Party of District 10 of Saigon. He was imprisoned by the Communists of Vietnam three times, in Dam Dun prison. The third and final time he was imprisoned from 1975 to 1983 for 8 long years, in various prisons up and down the country.

When Phero Nguyen Van’s retirement finally came when he arrived in the United States in August 1990 to rejoin his family, according to HO3. His new life involved relocating to San Jose, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in church services. Faith was important to Phero Nguyen Van. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was active within Church ministries, both in Saigon and more recently in San Jose. He was involved in the ministries Cursilo, and the Sacred Heart Alliance—a ministry near and dear to his heart. He continued to be active within the ministries of The Chapel of the Vietnamese Martyrs and St. Maria Goretti.

In many ways, Phero Nguyen Van loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities. Phero Nguyen Van approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were playing checkers, writing, and cooking. Phero Nguyen Van was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Mr. Phero Nguyen Van was called home to the heavenly Father on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 2:03 pm in Valley Medical Center, San Jose. He fought a brave battle with infections to his brain and lungs. He was 87 years old.

After he received his last rites, he passed away, leaving behind his wife (Mrs. Tram Van Nguyen) his seven children (2 boys and 5 girls), 17 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

In his last will and testament, he wrote:

“I would like to apologize for anything and everything that I have done to cause anyone sadness, and everything that I unknowingly did to make my wife, my children, and my grandchildren, and those who I know from church ministry upset.

I beg your forgiveness, and hope to see everyone in the Kingdom of Heaven. “

Services were held at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church. Phero Nguyen Van was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

All who knew him would agree that Nguyen was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Phero Nguyen Van did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.