92 of Wahiawa, Hawaii, passed away peacefully at his home on October 6, 2020. He was born in Wahiawa on October 1, 1928, to Giyu Funakoshi and Kame Higa. Upon graduation from Leilehua H.S., Ray enlisted in the Army and served from 1946 to 1952. He graduated from U.H. Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture in 1957. Ray met his wife Nami "Linda" Saito in Japan while stationed in the Army and they were married in Tokyo on January 25, 1952.
He was a consultant for HPC Foods for over 30 years and worked until he was 88 years old, fulfilling his passion of doing research and development of technologies that aided local farmers throughout the State of Hawaii to increase their productivity.
Ray was survived by his wife, Linda, who passed away shortly after on October 24, 2020; and children: Ann (Dane) Yamamoto, Steve (Penny) Funakoshi, Eric Funakoshi, Randy (Stephanie) Funakoshi; 12 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by grandson, Randon Funakoshi.
Celebration of Life Service to be held at Mililani Memorial Park
& Mortuary, Mauka Chapel on October 6, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation: 9:00 a.m.; Burial: 11:30 a.m., Reception to follow.
Aloha attire. No flowers please.
