Obituary for Truy Pham
January 2, 1932 – September 7, 2025

Truy Pham, beloved husband, father, grandfather, tennis ace, and golf enthusiast, peacefully passed away in his sleep on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Born in Hanoi, Vietnam, Truy met and married his wife, Anh Dao, in 1953. Together, they welcomed their first daughter, Anh Tram, in North Vietnam. When the Communist regime took over in North Vietnam in 1954, Truy and his family courageously fled to Vung Tau, South Vietnam. A devoted family man and community pillar, he served as a lieutenant in the police force while his family operated a small pharmacy.

Truy was an avid tennis player and was the #1 ranked player in Vung Tau. He and Anh Dao raised a loving family of seven children: daughters Anh Tram, Tuyet, Trinh, Trang, and Tuyen, and sons Tuan and Tung.  He passed his love of tennis onto his children and grandchildren, many who played and excelled at the sport as well.  He continued playing tennis well into his seventies before embracing golf later in life.

In 1975, as the Communists advanced into South Vietnam, Truy orchestrated a daring escape for his family. With homemade backpacks and valuables sewn into their clothes, they fled by boat and eventually a U.S. Navy-sponsored ship to the United States. After months at sea, overcoming seasickness and hardship, they landed in Guam before resettling at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. With the help of a generous sponsor family, they initially lived in Oceanside, later moving to Santa Ana and finally Irvine, CA. Truy taught himself English and worked tirelessly to provide for his family, ensuring every child received a solid education and financial security.  He strongly advocated for the importance of education and believed it was the best path toward a safe and secure future.  

Truy was a cherished father and grandfather, instilling in his children and grandchildren the values of hard work, discipline, and determination. He instilled the importance of family and would ensure that the entire family would always get together for every holiday.  When asked what their Ong often said, his grandchildren would all agree: “Study, study, study.” Known for his unwavering resolve, he achieved nearly every goal he set. His love for God and family was boundless, and nothing brought him more joy than witnessing his family’s happiness and success. He took immense pride in their close bonds and accomplishments.  

He is survived by his beloved wife Anh Dao; seven children; thirteen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. His spirit and legacy live on in the hearts of all who loved him.