Phu Tran

Phu Tran, age 82, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 26, 2024 after a valiant battle with lymphoma. Born in Long An, Vietnam on September 1, 1941, he was the second oldest of ten children of the late Lieng Tran and Dong Thi Le.

At the age of 22, Phu was drafted into the South Vietnamese Army, where he served as an infantry soldier from 1963 until 1975. Between 1965 and 1973, he also served as an interpreter for the United States Army 1st Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade. It was during this time that he met his wife and eventually welcomed 5 beautiful daughters.

Phu’s greatest achievement was coordinating his young family’s escape from the communist government of Vietnam in 1981 in search of a better life. During the five months they spent at the Pulau Galang Refugee Camp in Indonesia, he served as an interpreter for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, until they safely arrived to the United States, where they created a new life in Pittsburgh.

Phu worked hard to support his family in his new country, starting as a janitor at Century III Mall, going to college at Pitt, and eventually retiring from PNC Bank. However, he couldn’t stay retired for long and went back to work as a Vietnamese interpreter at UPMC up until he was no longer able to work.

An avid traveler, Phu enjoyed taking his family on frequent road trips near and far and across the U.S. Sometimes he would drive overnight and nap during the day, just so his children could enjoy a day at a new amusement park. He always put his family first.

Phu enjoyed cooking Vietnamese food just as much as he enjoyed feasting at various buffets. He especially enjoyed crab leg buffets and sharing with his family the crab legs he had already cracked for them. Friends and family will miss his special home-made egg rolls.

Phu was a kind and gentle person who enjoyed interacting with and assisting everyone he met with a friendly smile on his face. To his daughters, he was the best father anyone could ask for.

Phu is survived by his wife, Madonna Pham and five daughters (Minhhang Rugani, Minhnhat Hafenbrack, Minhduc Tran, Minhlan Tavares, and Minhnga Tran). He loved being “Papa” to his nine grandchildren who he doted on: Alysa Rugani, Ashley Hafenbrack, Kate Hafenbrack, John Sebunia, Brian Sebunia, Ethan Tavares, Caleb Tavares, Chloe Tavares, and Lily Barrow.

Phu will be missed by all who knew and loved him. And he will be remembered for his kindness and infectious smile. What a wonderful journey it has been with him in our lives.

Per Phu’s wishes, viewing will be held for immediate family only and there will not be any services. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to can donate to the St. Vincent De Paul Society in his memory. https://svdppitt.org/donate/donate/