Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother,
relative, and friend:
DOCTOR RAPHAEL VU VAN DIEP
Born: June 5, 1938
Doctor of Medicine, Saigon University, 1968
Rested in the Lord on December 14, 2024, at 11:20 PM, at the age of 86, after a long and fulfilling life.
Dr. Raphael Diep Van Vu, a devoted husband, father, physician, and educator, passed away on December 14, 2024, at the age of 86. Born in Hanoi, Vietnam, on June 5, 1938, to Vu Tri Hong and Le Thi Nguyet, he lived a life marked by dedication to his family, patients, and students.
Dr. Vu's educational journey began at Petit Lycée Roland and continued at Albert Sarraut and Chasseloup Laubat before he graduated from medical school in Saigon in 1968. In the same year, he married Kim Dung Nguyen, the love of his life, with whom he shared a deep and lasting bond.
In 1969, Dr. Vu served as a physician in the First Infantry Division Hospital. In 1972, he served as Vice Deputy Head of the Kien Tuong Provincial Hospital and had a private medical practice at Ly Thuong Kiet, Kien Tuong Province. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, Dr. Vu was imprisoned in a concentration camp for more than two years. Upon his release in 1978, he soon resumed practicing medicine in Cu Chi and Saigon. In 1986, he moved to the United States with his family, following the recognition he received from the U.S. government in 1973 with an Army Commendation Medal for saving several injured American soldiers.
Dr. Vu spent much of his life serving his community, most notably as a physician and educator. He served in the New Orleans Public School System from 1989 to 2005, where he touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. He was known for his kindness, deep commitment to healing, and humility. His patients and students alike respected and admired him.
Dr. Vu is survived by his beloved wife, Kim Dung Nguyen; daughter Kristina Vu Berry and son-in-law Lee Berry; son Dr. Christopher Son Vu; son Dr. Steve Kien Vu and daughter-in-law Oanh Nguyen; and son John Huy Vu. He was a proud grandfather to Jacqueline Berry Guida, Jonathan Berry, Aston Vu, Audrey Vu, Vincent Vu, Eli Vu, and Luke Vu.
He is also survived by his sister, Mong Hang Vu, PhD; brother-in-law, Thomas Renaud, PhD; nephew Tri Renaud; and his brother Dr. Doan Vu and family. A cherished member of his family and community, Dr. Vu will be remembered for his wisdom, warmth, and unwavering dedication to those he loved and served. His legacy of humility, compassion, and commitment will live on through his family, colleagues, and the many lives he touched.
FUNERAL PROGRAM
Friday, December 27, 2024
Chapel of Eternal Peace at Forest Park
(2454 S. Dairy Ashford Rd, Houston, TX 77077)
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Visitation and Prayer
6:00 PM: Mourning
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Christ the Incarnate Word Catholic Church
(8503 S. Kirkwood, Houston, TX 77099)
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Funeral Mass
Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery
(12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077)
11:00 AM: Burial
SURVIVING FAMILY
Wife: Maria Nguyen Kim Dung (Houston)
Children and Grandchildren:
Eldest Daughter: Kristina Huong Berry (husband Lee Berry), children Jacqueline and Jonathan (Arizona)
Eldest Son: Dr. Christopher Son Vu, children Aston and Audrey (California)
Son: Dr. Steve Kien Vu (wife Oanh Nguyen), children Vincent, Eli, and Luke (Houston)
Son: John Huy Vu (Houston)
Siblings:
Younger Sister: Mong Hang Vu-Renaud, PhD (husband Thomas Renaud, PhD), and their children (Rouen, France)
Younger Brother: Dr. Doan Vu (wife and children, Paris, France
