Joseph Tsuneki Tomita, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025. He was the youngest son of Tadahisa and Shizuko Tomita. Joseph is survived by his loving family: wife, Jeanne (Takido) Tomita; son, Greg (Renee) Tomita; daughter, Leslie (Brett) Vaughan; brother, Setsuo (Marian) Tomita; sisters-in-law, Mits Tomita, Asako Tomita; many nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was predeceased by his siblings: Makio Tomita, Masao Tomita, Mary Seko, Shiro Tomita; brother-in-law, George Seko.
The Tomita family was interned at the Manzanar relocation camp during WWII. Joseph graduated from Stanford with a BS in biology and a PhD in physiology. He enjoyed the challenges of his 25-year career as a research scientist at Abbott Laboratories. Joseph was always honored when he was asked to present seminars in foreign countries such as China, Japan, India, Saudi Arabia, Russia and France, to name a few. He retired from Abbott as the director of oncology research. Joseph will be greatly missed, but we take comfort in knowing he is with the Lord and is reunited with his predeceased loved ones.
A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.