Obituaries index

Obituary for Joe Nagano

NAGANO, JOE (88) passed away on May 25, 2009 in Los Angeles.  He is survived by his wife, Mitsuko Nagano; daughters, Janeane (Claude) Kansaku from Oregon and Julie (Mark) Akita; grandchildren Lillian and Jamie Kansaku, Max and Nicolas Akita;  brother, Towru (Zenaida) Nagano; also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives. 

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gardena Valley Baptist Church, 1630 W. 158^th St., Gardena, CA with Rev. Yolanda Marquez-Lucar of West Adams Christian Church officiating. 

Condolences and best wishes

Maria Kwong May 27, 2009, 10:58 AM	So sad to hear about Joe. I just saw him a couple of weeks ago (or so it seemed) at the Museum. He was always enthusiastic and friendly and eager to share the mission of the Museum with guests. He will be missed. Maria Kwong
susan jekarl May 27, 2009, 5:21 PM	I met Joe when I first began volunteering at the Japanese American National Museum over 7 years ago. I remember interviewing him for Volunteerly Speaking and was amazed to hear bits of his life story. He was such a sweetheart and I will miss him dearly. He was a special man and will leave a special legacy in all our hearts. -Susan Jekarl
Sojin May 27, 2009, 6:21 PM	I will miss Joe. He was such a valuable part of the Japanese American National Museum. He was always sharing new information, stories, photos, and artifacts with us. I learned so much from him. Best regards to his family. --Sojin Kim
Nahan Gluck May 27, 2009, 7:58 PM	I will remember Joe’s expertise on Manzanar. Joe brightened our quarterly birthday celebrations with his photography and occasional playing of his piano-board. A really good man who also helped with his church. Nahan Gluck - Docent at JANM
Lisa Itagaki May 28, 2009, 10:29 AM	I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. He was such a kindhearted, generous, and thoughtful person, always thinking of others first and wanting to help out in anyway he could. He was so dedicated to ensuring that visitors learned about the Japanese American story, coming to volunteer even when not feeling well. He always thought of the Museum too, giving dozens of books, tools, and West LA materials to the collection, as well as spending much time advising on many of our exhibitions. When I worked at the Museum, I would look forward to my weekly visits with Joe where he would show me portions of his photo album, maps of his past travels, or share interesting books for me to read. Whenever a birthday party or celebration, he would compose songs and practice for hours in preperation. He was truely a special person, and I feel so blessed to have had his enthusiasm and giving nature touch my life so greatly. We will miss him dearly. Lisa Itagaki
Masahiro Dojiri June 1, 2009, 1:12 PM	I am saddened to hear that Joe passed away. He was such a gentle and soft- spoken man who always seemed to have a smile on his face. He was one of the first laboratory directors at the Hyperion Treatment Plant in Playa del Rey. The laboratory evolved into the Environmental Monitoring Division (EMD), where I am currently the division manager. Joe was very proud and expressed his pleasure that another Japanese American took over the helm of the laboratory. First was Joe, then Frank Wada, now me. Joe invariably attended EMD’s Holiday Party and always enjoyed the company of the lab staff. He will be greatly missed. It’s sad to know that his seat will be empty at our parties from this point forward. Mas Dojiri
Yukiko Fujii June 5, 2009, 5:57 PM	How　sad this news is. I was a docent in the museum about 6 years ago.Even returning Japan, he has always remembered, and given me his warmful heart !!! And I am worried his wife, mitsu sann. I will never forget him andI hope to visit for pray and say Thank you so much as soon as possible. I bless him so much. Yukiko Fujii from Japan.