Joseph H. Tu

joseph tu

June 23, 1934 ~ July 12, 2024

Born in: Nam Dinh, Vietnam
Resided in: Vienna, Va

Joseph Hoang Thanh Tu, beloved family member, physicist, and polymath passed away peacefully on July 12th, 2024, at the age of 90.

Born in 1934 in Nam Dinh, Vietnam, he was the eldest child of Hoang Xuan Bao and Pham Thi Chien. Early in life, he showed a prodigious intellect combined with a curious and independent nature. He was sponsored by the Catholic church to attend boarding school in order to harness his energy.

As a high school student in 1950, he moved to Buffalo, NY – a vastly different world to the small farming village where he grew up. Planning to join the priesthood, he studied at St. Meinrad Seminary and completed a degree in Philosophy and Religion. Rather than taking his religious vows, he instead dedicated his life to science. He put himself through graduate school, at times moonlighting as a dance instructor and a hospital orderly. He received a master’s degree in Math and Engineering from Marquette University. He then earned a PhD in Nuclear Physics from the University of Maryland.

Despite being offered an opportunity to continue his nuclear physics research in Los Alamos, he decided to remain in the Washington, DC area. He did so to marry Trang Bui, a union that would ultimately last 57 years. His experience with early computer technology proved to be highly valuable and eventually he fashioned a career as a computer scientist, first working for the Brookings Institution, then in the defense industry.

Beyond his professional life, he was the leader of his immediate and extended family. He fathered two sons, Albert and Thomas. Eventually he became a grandfather to six. His physics training enabled him to explore a wide range of interests including music, language, and biology. Despite having multiple options in life, he eschewed the prosaic and mundane in favor of the scientific and philosophical.

He leaves behind Thomas, daughters-in-law Mai Huong and Amanda, and grandchildren, David, Amanda, Michael, Allison, Michelle, and Julia.

He was preceded in death by his wife Trang, son Albert, brother Tinh, and sister Tam.

At his request, no religious service or memorial will be held.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.

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