Isamu Sammy Hiraike - Rafu Shimpo

Isamu Sammy Hiraike
January 11, 1923 – January 19, 2021

Sammy Hiraike was 98 years of age, born in Los Angeles on January 11, 1923, and passed away peacefully on January 19, 2021. Sammy grew up in Glendale, California, and attended Marshall High School. He was the oldest of five children to Chiyo and Kenzo Hiraike. During World War II, while in high school, his family was relocated and interned at Manzanar. In 1956, he married Reiko Nawata and raised their two daughters in Los Angeles, where he lived the remainder of his life. He was a gardener for over 60 years and enjoyed reading the newspaper and watching baseball and NCAA basketball games. As a young man, he participated in a local gardeners’ bowling league. He always appreciated good food and spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his sister Asako Doi, who lives in Saratoga, California; daughters Eileen Hiraike and Dr. Kathleen (Dr. Kenneth) Sakamoto; sister-in-law Kimiko Kochi, his niece Carole (Richard) Murase, Cory and Casey Murase; nephews Mike Doi, Howard (Sue) Doi, Douglas (Julie) Doi, and Russell (Wendy) Doi; niece Denise (Doug) Matsumoto and Alice Hiraike; and nephew Eugene (Tonda) Fields.