Hiroshi loved America, this was his favorite song
September 14, 2019
Hiroshi Sakahara,
September 12, 2019
Hiroshi Sakahara, at the age of 96 passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 4, 2019 in Conroe, Texas with his children by his side. Hiro, as he was known by his friends, was married to Alice Sakahara for over fifty years who preceded him in death in 2005.
Hiro was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. When only 19, he joined the army and fought in WWII in Europe. He became a member of the legendary 442nd Battalion which was the most highly decorated regiment in army history. While serving he earned the bronze star and became an honorary Texan for rescuing the “Lost Battalion”, a group of Texas National Guardsman. After the war, he went to Purdue University where he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for both Boeing and NASA, in the aerospace industry helping us reach the moon on the Apollo missions, later retiring after working for Hercules.
Hiro, married in 1953 started a family living in Seattle, Washington, Huntsville, Alabama, and Houston, Texas. He was an excellent athlete and enjoyed playing tennis and bowling until he was 89 years old. In addition, he was a devout Christian and was active in church for all his life. While at church, he loved to sing in the choir with his wonderful baritone voice. His favorite song was God Bless America which he sang at this year’s 4thof July celebration.
Hiro is survived by his daughter, Ruth Maroney and husband Dennis, his sons, Robert, James and Paul along with his grandsons James and wife Crystal, Michael, Devin and Collin, his granddaughters, Lindsey and Jessica and his great grandson, Ethan. Our family wishes to thank the staff at Woodhaven Village for the incredible love and compassion they showed Hiroshi while living there. In addition, we want to extend our appreciation to Devotion Hospice for their invaluable care and counsel.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, September 22nd at Woodhaven Village in Conroe, TX and a burial service will be held the following day on Monday, September 23rd at Houston National VA cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Honor Flight in Hiroshi’s name https://secure.piryx.com/donate/00SgtYoZ/Honor-Flight-Austin/
Hiro was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. When only 19, he joined the army and fought in WWII in Europe. He became a member of the legendary 442nd Battalion which was the most highly decorated regiment in army history. While serving he earned the bronze star and became an honorary Texan for rescuing the “Lost Battalion”, a group of Texas National Guardsman. After the war, he went to Purdue University where he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for both Boeing and NASA, in the aerospace industry helping us reach the moon on the Apollo missions, later retiring after working for Hercules.
Hiro, married in 1953 started a family living in Seattle, Washington, Huntsville, Alabama, and Houston, Texas. He was an excellent athlete and enjoyed playing tennis and bowling until he was 89 years old. In addition, he was a devout Christian and was active in church for all his life. While at church, he loved to sing in the choir with his wonderful baritone voice. His favorite song was God Bless America which he sang at this year’s 4thof July celebration.
Hiro is survived by his daughter, Ruth Maroney and husband Dennis, his sons, Robert, James and Paul along with his grandsons James and wife Crystal, Michael, Devin and Collin, his granddaughters, Lindsey and Jessica and his great grandson, Ethan. Our family wishes to thank the staff at Woodhaven Village for the incredible love and compassion they showed Hiroshi while living there. In addition, we want to extend our appreciation to Devotion Hospice for their invaluable care and counsel.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, September 22nd at Woodhaven Village in Conroe, TX and a burial service will be held the following day on Monday, September 23rd at Houston National VA cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Honor Flight in Hiroshi’s name https://secure.piryx.com/donate/00SgtYoZ/Honor-Flight-Austin/