Quy Van Vuong, 83, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, in Winter Haven, Florida.

Born on June 26, 1942, in Nam Dinh, Vietnam, Quy lived a life defined by courage, perseverance, and deep devotion to family. He graduated as a pilot from Naval Air Station Pensacola and served as a C-130 pilot in the Republic of Vietnam Air Force. During the Vietnam War, his pilot status and friendships with members of the U.S. Air Force enabled him to help his family flee Vietnam safely – an act of bravery and love that shaped generations.

After arriving in the United States, the Vuong family was sponsored by St. Joseph's Catholic Church - where they found support, faith, and community as they rebuilt their lives. Winter Haven became Quy’s longtime home and the place where he built his American life alongside his beloved wife, Lieu Thi Nguyen.

Quy began his career working at Farmland Phosphate before pursuing his passion in the restaurant industry. Over the years, he opened Oriental Express (Eagle Lake), Mr. Vuong’s Restaurant (on Ave K across from Winter Haven Mall), and Taipan Restaurant (Spring Lake Square). These restaurants became well-known gathering places where good food, laughter, and conversation were always on the menu.

In 1993, Quy took on a leadership role as District Manager for Manchu Wok, prompting a family move to Pittsburgh. His territory spanned Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. In 1995, he purchased a Manchu Wok franchise located in Circle Centre Mall in Indianapolis. Under his ownership, the location became one of only four Manchu Wok restaurants in the country at the time to exceed $1 million in annual sales. He remained dedicated to the business until his retirement.

Outside of work, Quy was known as a stylish dresser with a quick wit and a genuine love of people. He easily struck up conversations wherever he went, loved good food - especially cooking it - and enjoyed bringing others together. He remained closely connected with his fellow Vietnamese Air Force friends, often reminiscing about his flying days and the bonds formed during that time.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mai Van Vuong and Cay Thi Pham; his wife, Lieu Thi Nguyen; and his siblings Sinh Van Vuong and Loi Van Vuong. He is survived by his children, Janet Vuong and Diep Vuong; his siblings Hue Vuong Dang (husband Deacon Nuoc Van Dang), Chinh Van Vuong (wife Tu Nguyen Vuong), and Hong Vuong Stiger (husband Wesley Kenneth Stiger); the spouses of his late siblings, Huyen Pham Vuong and Nguyet Thi Nguyen; and 22 nieces and nephews, along with many extended family members.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Winter Haven, Florida. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Mass intentions, prayers, or memorial donations be offered to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Quy’s memory.

A GoFundMe page has also been created for those who wish to contribute toward funeral and memorial service expenses.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-quy-van-vuongs-life-legacy