98, passed away peacefully on July 14th, 2021. He was born in Honolulu in 1923, the eldest of 3 children to parents Kumaichi and Misano Kumasaki. He was the loving husband of 59 years to Jeanette. He is survived by his brother Kenneth, children Gale and Donn, 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.Joe grew up in the Palama area and attended Farrington High School, graduating in 1941. He enlisted in the army and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant, serving as a Military Intelligence Service instructor during WWII. After the war, Joe returned to Hawaii to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Hawaii. He worked as an executive in the insurance industry and was the first person in Hawaii to earn both CPCU and CLU professional insurance credentials.
For many years he was known to most as "Grandpa Joe" but was later thrilled to be upgraded to "Great-Grandpa." Over the years he had a great many hobbies and interests, including tennis, photography and serving on various volunteer boards including that of the Honolulu Myohoji Mission and the MIS Veterans Club of Hawaii. His favorite pastime, however, was spending time with and spoiling his grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
Private services were held at Honolulu Myohoji Mission and he was interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl on September 13th. In lieu of koden, donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society of Hawaii.
Arrangements Provided By:
Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
