A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again; but he is peaceful, loving and fearless then he is in truth called wise. -BuddhaWell he had a good run. Isamu just made it to 94 years old with a healthy and active life. If you knew him, he was a quiet, kind, humble, wise, and unassuming person who enjoyed doing and participating. He has an engineering mind for creating and fixing, with a simple approach to everything. He had quite a variety of experiences, from being born on the Hau'ula plantation, moving to Kahuku and then leaving Hawaii for further education. After a brief stint in the army as an interpreter, he graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and received his masters/doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin.
He began his career in New Jersey, met Barbara in New York City (They were married for 59 years) and then moved to Pennsylvania. Throughout life he found his friends through his work at AT&T Bell Laboratories (while obtaining patents with cutting edge research of the time) and beyond. The group went on family canoe trips and ski outings, had bridge nights, learned square/round dancing. Isamu even taught swimming to fellow lab workers. Also add in the PA neighbors and community to the activities and memories. Being one of the few Asian American families in the community, he shared his cultural upbringings such as food and games at the gatherings. He also was an avid tennis player with Barbara for many years organizing groups at the local club.
He was lucky in life to have his good health and was able to retire back to where he grew up in Hawaii. He enjoyed all that Hawaii has to offer with family and friends there for more than 20 years .... participating and helping with a golf group at Kahuku, the Kahuku Hongwanji Mission, and square & round dance groups in Honolulu. A long time season ticket holder of UH Wahine and Men's volleyball too! Hui o Hau'ula kept his mind and body challenged and offered friendship and support in his last years and we are grateful for their help.
Isamu was always supportive and happy to be involved. Even later on when things were slowing down for him, he always (maybe with a little complaining) went along for the ride and participated with a smile.
He enjoyed traveling around the U.S. and abroad. With his family, he visited many states and locations to learn and appreciate what each area had to offer. The tradition continued with his grandchildren who got to enjoy traveling and spending time with him even though they lived on the mainland.
Anyone who met Isamu is wiser and fuller because of him. He will be missed.
Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely. - Buddha
Isamu is survived by his wife Barbara, son Carl (Nancy), daughter Lori D'Antonio (Chris), grandchildren Catherine, Christopher, and Nicole Tatsuguchi and Emily and Abby D'Antonio.
The family would like to thank Malama Ola Hospice's Brad and Mae, and daily nurses Joshua Kaina, Eva Rheault and Alexis Barron who helped to care for Isamu while he was at home.
Private services to he held later. Donations in his memory may be sent to Hui o Hau'ula PO Box 264 Hau'ula, HI 96717.
Arrangements Provided By:
Hosoi Garden Mortuary
