Tomio Uwate passed away on May 15, 2026, at the age of 100.
He was born in Seattle, Washington, on April 2, 1926. He grew up in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, and came to California after World War II. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He was a long-time resident of Whittier, where he conducted his gardening business, as well as other ventures such as egg ranching and wholesale nursery.
He is survived by his wife, Maya, and her sons, Mark and Ed Jones; daughter, Jean Kodama (David); sons, Ray (Sujen Shie) and Jiro; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. His first wife, Mary Kawagishi Uwate, passed away in 1994.
Private services were held in Whittier. In lieu of koden or flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.