Van V. Nguyen, 76, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Wednesday evening, February 23, 2011 at the Essa Flory Hospice Center.

He was the husband of Huyen Nguyen. Born in Gia Dihn, Vietnam, he was the son of the late Vien Nguyen and Ranh Cao.

Van had worked at the Shady Maple Restaurant for 10 years.

He served in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) during the Vietnam War as an officer. He was awarded the 5^th Class National Order for his service. At the end of the war he had attained the rank of Major and was the Deputy Chief of the CANDUOC Military Sector. Captured by communist forces, he was sent to various concentration camps for 8 years. He later came to the United States in 1992. He was a member of the United States Joint Services Command, serving as Operational Team Leader for the 2^nd Battalion of the 31^st Brigade Coordinating Team.

Van was a member of the Vietnamese Alliance Church of Lancaster.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, all of Lancaster: Nhan married to Ha Nguyen, Viet Nguyen, and Hang married to Thuong Nguyen; his daughter-in-law Thao Nguyen; his 6 grandchildren, a brother Hoa Nguyen of Jacksonville, FL, and his sister Tu Nguyen of Vietnam. He was preceded in death by his son, Tung Nguyen.

Friends will be received at the Vietnamese Alliance Church of Lancaster, 3534 Nolt Rd. Landisville, PA on Friday, February 25, 2011 from 7-9PM. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the church at 10AM. Interment in Conestoga Memorial Park. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 393-9661