Thomas Tamotsu Nakasone

Thomas Tamotsu Nakasone passed away on January 12, 2021 at age 88 from congestive heart failure and kidney disease.

Born to George (Shinzo) and Kiyoko Nakasone, Tom spent his early years on a Colorado lettuce farm during the Great Depression. The family later moved to Los Angeles where he attended University High School. Tom served in the army during the Korean War in Italy before marrying and settling in Culver City to raise his family.

Tom spent most of his career at the Hughes Aircraft Corporation and eventually became a supervisor in the printed circuit division before retiring. In 1987, he became a reserve officer for the Culver City Police Department and subsequently worked there for many years. Tom enjoyed building and collecting model cars and planes and numerous other collectibles. Tom was involved in his local Japanese American Community and was proud of his Japanese/Okinawan heritage and being an American citizen.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Johnnie Nakasone and sister, Sumiko Hoshizaki (Howard Hoshizaki). He is survived by wife, May (Higuchi); daughters, Lisa Nakasone-Quan (Allanson Quan) and Eva Nakasone (Ted Nishimura); grandchildren, Garrett and Jason Quan, Trent Nishimura; and many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Due to Tom’s wishes and the pandemic, no services will be held. A gathering of friends will be held at a later date.