Hao Huy Tran

In Loving Memory of Hao Huy Tran (Hai)

November 28, 1956 – October 3, 2025

Hao Huy Tran, affectionately known by his family as Hai, was born on November 28, 1956, in Da Nang, Vietnam, and passed away peacefully at his family home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 3, 2025.

In his youth, Hao was an adventurous spirit who served as a Boy Scout squad leader, training his troop in survival skills through the jungles of Vietnam. In April 1975, his family immigrated to the United States, settling in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, under the sponsorship of the Church of the Brethren, and later moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1976.

Hao’s first job in America was as a busboy at Elby’s Big Boy restaurant, where he also helped his brother Nhan secure a job as a dishwasher. Together, they worked there from 1976 to 1978. Even then, Hao’s determination and vision were evident, as he often reminded his brother that they didn’t come to America to do this and needed to go to school and get an education for a better life.

During those early years, Hao and his brothers formed one of the first Vietnamese bands in the area, where Hao was the lead guitarist. Inspired by Paul McCartney’s song “Mrs. Vanderbilt,” they named their group The Vanderbilt and performed at hotel ballrooms across Lebanon, Harrisburg, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, from 1976 to 1978.

When the band dissolved, Hao pursued higher education at Millersville University from 1978 to 1979 before transferring to Penn State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 1980.

While living in Lancaster, Hao met the love of his life, Hang Tran. They married in 1982 and were blessed with their beloved daughter, Jessica, in 1985. During this time, Hao also felt a call to ministry and attended Eastern Baptist Seminary in Philadelphia, where he earned his Master of Divinity in 1987.

Hao’s faith and dedication led him and his family to Winnipeg, Canada, where he was ordained as a pastor for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manitoba. He served faithfully from 1991 to 2000, touching many lives with his kindness, humility, and wisdom.

After returning to the United States, Hao continued to pursue his passion for learning. He completed a second Master’s Degree in Computer Information Science at Temple University in 2003 and worked as a Senior Software Engineer at Altera Digital Health in Pennsylvania from 2003 until his retirement in 2024.

In retirement, Hao cherished spending time with his family, and his greatest joy was picking up his grandson, Kai, from school each day. He was a devoted son who faithfully visited and brought food to his parents every Friday after work.

Hao lived a full and disciplined life. He was an avid runner, a ten-year Broad Street Run veteran who participated in one half marathon, a gifted classical guitarist, and a man who loved hiking and camping with his brothers.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, a man who provided for his family with deep devotion and led with quiet strength and faith.

Hao is survived by his beloved wife, Hang Julie Tran; his daughter, Jessica Mejilla; his son-in-law, Gardnell Mejilla; and his cherished grandson, Kai Mejilla. He is also survived by his seven brothers and two sisters. His family will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.