Hai Van Nguyen

SOUTH HADLEY - Hai Van Nguyen passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, with his beloved wife, Thinh Tran, by his bedside until his final breath. He was 77 years old.

Hai was born on January 10, 1948, in Hanoi, Vietnam, to the late Hinh Van Nguyen and Hien Nguyet Ho. At the age of six, he and his family moved from Hanoi to the southern region of Vietnam, settling in Saigon, a transition that would shape much of his life and identity.

A man of strength, discipline, and deep patriotism, Hai proudly served as a Captain in the South Vietnamese Airborne Division, known as the “Mũ Đỏ” (Red Berets). His service reflected his courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to duty.

After immigrating to the United States, Hai built a new life through hard work and perseverance. In 1993, he opened Pho Saigon in Springfield, Massachusetts, a restaurant that became a cherished and successful gathering place within the community. He sold the restaurant in 2007 after many years of dedication and achievement.

Hai spent the remainder of his life in South Hadley, Massachusetts, where he found comfort in family, home, and music. He loved to sing karaoke and brought joy to friends and family with his enthusiasm and passion for music, making every gathering brighter.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Thinh Tran; his three children, Peter Nguyen and his partner Carrie Bergman, Steven Nguyen and his wife Julia, and Maureen Nguyen; his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Tkacz Nguyen, Truly Nguyen, Lily Nguyen, and Price Nguyen; his loving sisters, Tuyet Nguyen, Oang Nguyen, Mai Nguyen, Dung Nguyen, and Xuan Nguyen; and his brother, Tien Nguyen.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: brother Trung Nguyen; brother Toan Nguyen; and sisters Khiem Nguyen and Hong Nguyen.

Hai Van Nguyen will be remembered as a devoted husband, a proud father, a loving grandfather, a courageous soldier, a successful entrepreneur, and a joyful spirit who loved music and karaoke. His legacy of resilience, honor, and love for family will live on in all who knew him.

Viewing services will be held on January 8th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kelly Cremation & Funeral Care, located at 154 Lincoln Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605.