Francis Xavier Nguyen

Francis Xavier Nguyen Tuan Minh, 81, of Virginia Beach, Virginia passed away unexpectedly in his home on July 17th, 2025.

On February 1st, 1944 Nguyen Tuan Minh was born in the rural outskirts of Nha Trang, Vietnam to Phanxico Nguyen Doan and Martha Nguyen T. Vung. He had 11 siblings, 5 of whom did not survive past infancy. At 15, Minh was sent to the French monastery to be educated, housed, and fed; a common practice for impoverished families at that time. He later would work for Catholic Relief Services in charge of distributing food, humanitarian aid, and equipment amidst the ongoing war. In 1969, he married Ngo Thieu-Bich and had a daughter and 4 sons. Ten years later they escaped from Vietnam with their children ranging in ages 3 to 9 years on an overcrowded fishing boat. Towards the tail end of their 7 days at sea, the captain considered purposefully sinking the boat believing that the approaching United States vessel would rescue survivors and by proxy become protected citizens. Being the only family member who could swim, Minh convinced the captain to abandon the dangerous plan and proceed to the Philippines where they remained for 1 year as refugees.

In May 1980, Minh and his family began to safely rebuild their lives in America. Holy Spirit Catholic Church was instrumental in helping them find a new home, clothes, and food, but most importantly, a sense of hope. With Thieu-Bich pregnant with their 6th child, a girl, Minh quickly enrolled into the local community college in order to train and secure a job as an electrician. In the meantime, he took any and every menial job possible until finding a more stable position at Busch, Inc where he remained for 37 years. Slowly, but surely, Minh lifted his family out of poverty and government housing to ensure a successful and independent future for his children.

Francis Xavier Nguyen Tuan Minh was a formidable father to his 6 children and a dutiful husband. He was willing to do whatever was necessary to ensure his family's success and survival. He faced the dynamic challenges of family life and a new career in a foreign country with grit and perseverance. Despite crushing pressures Minh faced, he still made time to share his love of soccer, tennis, and fishing with his children and community. His family happily benefited from the meals of fresh rockfish, grouper, bluefish, and croaker. Minh loved to share his catches with friends and even strangers fishing with less luck. An avid participant in the Vietnamese recreational tennis league, Minh's slice backhand was difficult to counter. Soccer was another sport Minh enjoyed playing as a younger man in Vietnam and later on in life as a fan.

Most importantly, Francis Xavier Nguyen Tuan Minh was a devoted and active Catholic. He found strength, comfort, and purpose in his faith especially following the death of his wife Maria (Mary) Nguyen Thieu-Bich in December 2024. Minh's love for his family was most apparent in his relationship with his grandchildren. They never failed to bring a smile to his face and joy to his heart. His legacy lives on in the memory of his children, nephews, nieces, extended family, and friends.

Francis Xavier Nguyen Tuan Minh is remembered with love by his daughter LiLi Nguyen her husband Andy Do, sons Khanh Nguyen his wife Hiep Truong, Duong Nguyen his wife Jennet Nguyen, Danny Nguyen his wife Elvira Nguyen, Nhat Nguyen his partner Dustin Perchal, daughter Catherine Perez her husband Jeff Perez, grandchildren Orion, Xavier, Jenna, Anthony, Kyra, Ella, Ellie, Adeline, Sebastian, Parker, and sister in law Tran Thi Nu.

He is preceded in eternal rest by his wife Maria (Mary) Nguyen Thieu-Bich, parents Phanxico Nguyen Doan and Martha Nguyen T. Vung, brother Gioana Baotixita Nguyen Giam, sister Anna Nguyen T. Chac, brothers Phanxico Nguyen Thong, Phanxico Nguyen Kha, and Phanxico Nguyen Mot.

Friends are welcome to visit Friday, August 1st, 2025 during viewing hours beginning at 5:00 PM at HD Oliver Funeral Apartments, 2002 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.

The Mass of the Resurrection will take place on Saturday, August 2nd at 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1396 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23453.

A procession to the crematory at HD Oliver Funeral Apartments, 1501 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 23517 will begin following mass.

Flower deliveries are welcome at HD Oliver Funeral Apartments. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Holy Spirit Catholic Church and/or Catholic Relief Services.