Le Van Le, 84, a longtime Lowell resident, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Lowell General Hospital on Tuesday, April 29. He was the beloved husband of Thao Thi Le, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage.
Le was born on June 18, 1940, in Saigon, Vietnam and was the son of the late Le Van Cang and the late Nguyen Thi Nghiem. He spent his youth and early adulthood growing up in his hometown, where he completed his education. After finishing his studies, Le enlisted in the Navy of the Republic of Vietnam and rose to the rank of First Lieutenant, serving with honor alongside American forces during the Vietnam War.
During the height of the war, Le was selected for military training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Among the many responsibilities he carried as a high- ranking official, one that he often spoke of with pride was teaching English to his fellow Navy comrades upon his return to Saigon.
Following the fall of Saigon in 1975, Le bravely sailed his Navy ship, filled with refugees, to Malaysia amidst the humanitarian crisis. In 1978, he immigrated to the United States, where he embraced his new homeland and built a fulfilling life grounded in hard work, freedom, and family—living the American dream he so deeply believed in.
His career in the United States was marked by over 20 years of excellence as a computer technician at Wang Laboratories, where he was affectionately and accurately known as “Dr. Le,” a nickname earned for his uncanny ability to repair the cutting-edge technology they developed over the years.
Beyond his professional achievements, Le was a devoted family man and proud Vietnamese American. After residing in Marlborough, MA. ,where he met his future wife, Le settled in Lowell in 1980. They married in August of 1981 and shared a long and devoted life together, raising their two children, Quoc Bao Le and Phuong Kim Le. He played a significant role in his local community, organizing a Vietnamese support group to assist new refugees coming to America and often attending flag-raising ceremonies, standing at attention and rendering a salute in tribute to his culture, his homeland, and the enduring spirit of Saigon.
In his personal life and retirement years, Le found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved tending to his lavish garden, cultivating a vibrant array of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. He grew an apple tree to replace his peach tree that offered beautiful blooms under which he would relax and enjoy the warmer evenings with his wife. He also enjoyed taking leisurely strolls along the boulevard, a favorite spot for daily exercise and reflection. Most importantly, he treasured the moments spent with his grandchildren, whom he deeply adored. Le was a man of patience and humility, gentle in demeanor, yet strong in spirit. He was known to be a thoughtful and devoted friend to many, and above all, unwavering in his love for his family.
Besides his beloved and devoted wife, Thao Thi Le, he is survived by his daughter, Phuong Kim Le, and his loving grandchildren, Melanie Mai Boo, Ayame Tony Le Thoueithaisong, Quoc Bao Le Thoueithaisong, & Azari Ella Le Pouv.
Besides his parents and brothers, he was predeceased by his son, Quoc Bao Le who passed away in June of 2001.
All are welcome to attend his visitation and funeral services. His visitation will be held on Friday May 16 from 4 until 8 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA.
His funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 17 beginning at approximately 9 a.m. for Buddhist ceremonies followed by a funeral procession which will follow to Merrimack Cremation Services in Merrimack, NH.