Birth date: Apr 30, 1940 Death date: Jan 23, 2026
Nguyễn Vĩnh Long, 85, of Pinellas Park, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 30, 1940, in Gia Định, Saigon, Vietnam, Long lived a life marked by service, devotion, and Read Obituary
One of my earliest memories of Ong Ngoai is when he and Ba Ngoai flew to California to visit us during Christmas. He carried a camcorder and filmed almost everything Bao and I did. One day, while we were riding our scooters around the neighborhood, Ong Ngoai was there as always, capturing the moment. He called us over and asked about zoo animals and the sounds they made. As we eagerly showed off our impressions, I could hear him laughing behind the camera, amused by our silliness. I think that is what I loved most about Ong Ngoai - his laughter.
Over the years, he was always cracking jokes, and then laughing at his own jokes. He would pretend not to know what snacks we had, only to ask us to share them with him. Even as his health declined and we worried about him, he never stopped trying to make us smile. That is how I remember Ong Ngoai - joyful, playful, and full of laughter. Now, he will join Mom and make her laugh again.
One of my earliest memories of Ong Ngoai was during a lake trip. He pulled a prank on me, by filling my swim shorts with sand. I laughed at first. Then, I cried. Now, looking back, I can’t help but laugh.
I think every memory I have of him is filled with laughter. Like how sometimes when laying in bed, he would say random words in Vietnamese, and then say them backwards. Or how he would randomly turn a phrase into a tune and do a little dance with it. His smile was contagious and I will always remember it.
What I didn’t know back then at the lake, and what many people may not notice, was that everything he does comes from a place of love. If you look closely, you’d find him reminding us kids to eat, to take our time, and to be careful when playing. You’d find countless videos on his camcorder documenting everything our family did and feeling how much he cared for us in the little comments he often narrated. You’d notice him proudly taking a picture of Ba Ngoai in admiration and love.
Past the funny jokes he would pull, which I will remember dearly, is a man who deeply cares for his family and loved ones, a kind of man who inspires others to do the same.
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Một trong những ký ức sớm nhất của Bảo về Ông Ngoại là trong một ngày đi tắm hồ. Ông Ngoại chọc Bảo bằng cách bỏ cát vào quần bơi của Bảo. Lúc đầu Bảo cười, sau đó rồi khóc. Giờ đây, nhìn lại, Bảo chỉ thấy tức cười thôi.
Bảo nghĩ mọi ký ức của Bảo có về ông đều tràn đầy tiếng cười. Như khi nằm nghỉ trên giường, ông hay nói những từ ngẫu nhiên bằng tiếng Việt rồi nói láy lại. Hay khi ông bỗng nhiên biến một câu nói thành một giai điệu rồi nhảy múa theo. Nụ cười của ông thật lây lan, và Bảo sẽ luôn nhớ về nó.
Những gì Bảo không biết hồi còn nhỏ và có lẽ nhiều người nếu không để ý cũng không biết, là mọi thứ ông làm đều xuất phát từ tình yêu thương. Nếu nhìn kỹ, mọi người sẽ thấy ông luôn nhắc bọn trẻ ăn uống đầy đủ, thong thả và cẩn thận khi chơi. Mình sẽ tìm thấy vô số video ông quay lại từng khoảnh khắc của gia đình, và cảm nhận được tình cảm ông dành cho con cháu qua những lời bình luận nhỏ ông thường kể. Mình cũng sẽ thấy ông luôn tự hào chụp ảnh Bà Ngoại với ánh mắt trân trọng và yêu thương.
Phía sau những trò đùa vui nhộn mà Bảo sẽ luôn nhớ, Ông Ngoại là một người luôn quan tâm sâu sắc đến gia đình và những người thân yêu, một tấm gương tiêu biểu khích lệ người khác hãy sống yêu thương gia đình và trân trọng nhau.
"You flare, you flicker, you fade…and in the end, all your tomorrows become yesterdays.”
- M.
The best way I could describe Ông ngoại is a jar of đồ chua. It was probably one of his favorite snacks that grandma made. Whether it was pickled carrots, radishes, mustard greens, or even shallots, it was bound to be gone the moment it hit the table. But just like those jars of pickled vegetables, his love was loud, bright, and sweet despite its pungent sourness.
Grandpa was brightest when he was around the people he loved. Maybe it was simply the joy of enjoying the warmth of those around him. Or maybe it was the satisfaction that knowing his sacrifices were truly worth it in the end. His love was only known truly to those closest to him.
My fondest memories come from my earliest childhood, when I used to wait for him every night after coming back from his shifts in St. Pete College. It didn’t matter how late it was; I always welcomed him home and every night he’d give me a small trinket, a “gift” he’d say, almost as if he was trying to be Santa Claus. Perhaps giving was his way of showing love to make up for the times when our family used to have nothing.
However, just like a jar of đồ chua, it’ll become empty with only the lingering smells of the vegetables it used to hold. But if you ate enough of it, maybe it’ll give you a tummy ache, reminding you of the goodness that came with every meal you ate.
We will all miss you, Ông ngoại.
- Your Granddaughter Lori
Dear Dad,
I am writing to you with mixed emotions. You lived with my family from the time my daughter was too young to walk until the day she left for university. Throughout those years, you gave us unwavering love, care, and support—and for that, I am forever grateful.
I miss our family trips so much, always together with you and Mom. You loved to travel, to meet old friends, and to relive cherished memories from the past. Those moments were filled with laughter and warmth, and they remain some of my most treasured memories.
What I loved most were my days off, when I cooked traditional Vietnamese dishes for you. You always praised them so enthusiastically, making me feel proud and deeply happy that I had brought you joy and a sense of family togetherness. Your humor and stories filled our home with laughter and made it feel even warmer.
Now that I am home and no longer feel your presence, I often feel empty and lost. Yet I believe you are at peace, resting in the loving embrace of God. Your image, your love, and your memories are engraved in my heart forever.
With all my love and longing,
Your youngest daughter
Vân
Today, I sit here remembering Dad, reminiscing about the memories we shared. Even though we weren’t together often, those moments were enough to bring me happiness whenever I think of him.
My dad wasn’t perfect—no one is—but he showed us his love in the ways he knew best. He was always optimistic, carefree, and full of life, with a hearty laugh and a playful spirit that brought joy to everyone he met.
What I am most proud of is that he never refused any job as long as it could put food on the table for his family. Once a high-ranking pilot, circumstances in our country forced his family to seek refuge in America. Without complaint or resentment, he embraced every role life gave him—working as a custodian at the Hilton, a cashier at TJ Maxx, and in maintenance for offices and schools—always with cheerfulness and dignity.
Thank you, Dad, for teaching me your optimistic, life-loving spirit. Goodbye, my dearest Dad. You have completed your mission. May you rest in peace and serenity as you continue your journey in the universe. I will see you again, Dad.
Con, Trinh
