Obituary of Phe Nguyen
Giuse Phê Nguyễn passed away on March 17, 2021 at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, with his family by his side in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was 63 years of age. He is survived by his wife Jane (Lịch) Thuý Nguyễn, and his loving and dedicated children: Marylyn (Hương) Nguyễn (husband, Duy (Joe) Ngọc Phạm), Hong Thuý Nguyễn (husband, Alvin So), Michael Sơn Nguyễn, Andy Thanh Nguyễn (wife, Wreachell Nguyen) and Jimmy Duy Nguyễn. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren: Ava Như Mai Nguyễn, Dylan Qúy Thiên Nguyễn, and Axl Qúy Phê Nguyễn (expected grandson due in July, 2021).
Giuse Phê Nguyễn was born in Bình Định, Việt Nam on October 10, 1957 to Phểnh Nguyễn & Ca Thị Trần. His widowed mother and 5 siblings were able to escape from Bình Định to Đà Lạt (1964) and then finally to Cam Ranh (1967) before the attacks were made in his hometown in 1968 due to the Communist overtaking Việt Nam. He became a fisherman and had to leave school when he was in 5th grade to help his widowed mother help take care of his siblings.
After the fall of Saigon in 1975, he decided to flee from communism in search of the American dream and a better life for himself. In July of 1979, he escaped by boat by himself for 7 days and 8 nights and finally reached the Philippines. Giuse Phê Nguyễn stayed in a Phillippine refugee camp for 2 years until a Jewish Community from Manhattan, New York sponsored him to come to the United States of America. He was sent to Guam and San Francisco, California for transfer. He finally arrived at the Jewish Organization September 1, 1981. He moved to Brooklyn, New York and met the love of his life Jane (Lịch) Thuý Nguyễn. They got married in 1983, and their family grew from two to seven by 1992. He was employed in 1987 at Guest Packaging Incorporated as a Maintenance Mechanic, and was finally able to achieve the American Dream. Guest Packaging Incorporated aided many Vietnamese refugees to a better life. In 1990, his family moved to New Jersey, and was able to purchase his first home in 1992.
Giuse Phê Nguyễn was known as the kindest man anyone has ever met. He was always there to help his family and friends. He loved fixing things for people in their houses and cars. His favorite hobbies included fishing, singing karaoke, having morning coffee with his relatives, and hanging out at family and friends houses together. He loved to cook one dish and everyone loved his infamous bò lúc lắc (shaken beef) dish!
Giuse Phê Nguyễn lived a happy full life. He is forever loved, remembered, and cherished by family and friends.
“People will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did,
But people will never forget how you made them feel.
How lucky we are to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Visitation will be on Monday, March 22, 2021 and Tuesday March 23, 2021 from 7PM-9PM at McCriskin-Gustafson, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021at 10:00AM at Our Lady of Częstochowa Church, 120 Kosciusko Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080. Burial will be held on Monday, March 29, 2021 at the Chapel of Eternal Peace at Forest Park, 2454 South Dairy Ashford Road, Houston, TX 77077.
Due to the lenten season, flowers are discouraged but still welcomed at the funeral service. Giuse Phê Nguyễn’s burial service will take place in Houston, TX and flowers won’t be transported over. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to his daughter, Marylyn Nguyen through Zelle or Venmo.
During this ongoing pandemic, according to Executive Orders and the CDC guidelines, we kindly ask that face masks must be worn while visiting, to be mindful of physical distancing to the best of your ability, and are asking visitors to minimize time spent indoors to allow everyone a chance to pay their respects. We thank you for your understanding and for taking these precautions during this difficult time.