Mr. Hong Nguon Cao, 88

April 1, 1936 - February 05, 2025

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Hong Nguon Cao, who left this world on February 5, 2025, at the age of 88, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 1, 1936, in Vietnam, Mr. Cao was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, whose resilience, wisdom, and compassion left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Mr. Cao served with distinction as a General in the Republic of Vietnam’s military. Following the fall of Vietnam in April 1975, he was captured and endured a decade of hardship in a concentration camp. Despite these harrowing years, he emerged with an unwavering spirit. After his release in 1985, he reunited with his family in 1991 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he later became a proud U.S. citizen through naturalization in 1994.

In the years that followed, Mr. Cao worked at Y&S Candies in Lancaster, PA, where he dedicated himself to his work until his retirement in 2007 at the age of 71. A man of peace, Mr. Cao’s military service and experiences as a prisoner of war shaped his deep appreciation for freedom and his commitment to spreading kindness and compassion.

Outside of his accomplishments, Mr. Cao was a man of simple joys. He had a great love for soccer, fishing, and was known to delight in defeating the computer at chess. Above all, he cherished spending time with his grandchildren, a bond that was the highlight of his later years.

Mr. Cao’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many whose lives he touched with his warmth, wisdom, and generosity.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Kim-Hoa Ngoc Bach, and their four children: KimLoan Cao Bach Huynh-Ba (Thai Quoc Huynh-Ba), Hung Nguon Cao, Hai Nguon Cao, and Huu Nguon Cao (Ai Phuong Nguyen). He will be forever cherished by his seven grandchildren: John, James, Tyler, Vanessa, Vincent, Vivian, and Evangeline. Mr. Cao is also survived by his only sister, Nhang Thi Cao, in California.

Family and friends are invited to honor his life at a funeral service on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. Following the service, burial will take place at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that acts of kindness be performed in Mr. Cao’s honor, reflecting the generosity of spirit that he so freely shared throughout his life.