George J. Abe, 101, of Kailua, passed away on December 19, 2017 at the Care Center of Honolulu. Born in Honolulu on May 5, 1916, he was named Gogogoro to mark the 5th day of the 5th month of the 5th Taisho year. At the age of four, his mother took him to Niigata, Japan, and left him in the care of her brother. After high school graduation in 1934, he returned to Hawaii and lived in Nuuanu. George took English- language classes and learned the bakery trade at various Oahu bakeries, including Holly, C&W, Lincoln, and Krispy Krust. In 1947, he worked at Holland House in Kailua, met and soon married Lynn (Sato), and changed his name to George. The two owned Jean's Bakery & Fountain (1950- 1971). He was known for his tiered wedding cakes, Danish pastries, and goodness as an employer. He was the first president of Kailua Japanese Civic Club. After retiring as a baker, George worked as a City & County groundskeeper. He loved shore fishing, Vegas, bowling, sumo, UH sports, and playing tennis (until age 97) with his Kailua Seniors Tennis Club friends. He is survived by daughters Jean Sumimoto, Gloria Chapman, and Carol Abe; and grandchildren Mark Sumimoto, Rick Sumimoto, Ann Walsh, and Kelsey Yama- guchi. He was predeceased by wife Lynn and son Clinton. The family thanks the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who cared for George in his later years. Visitation from 10:30; service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 18. Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018. All at Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary.
George J. Abe, 101, of Kailua, passed away on December 19, 2017 at the Care Center of Honolulu. Born in Honolulu on May 5, 1916, he was named Gogogoro to mark the 5th day of the 5th month of the 5th Taisho year. At the age of four, his mother took him to Niigata, Japan, and left him in the care of her brother. After high school graduation in 1934, he returned to Hawaii and lived in Nuuanu. George took English- language classes and learned the bakery trade at various Oahu bakeries, including Holly, C&W, Lincoln, and Krispy Krust. In 1947, he worked at Holland House in Kailua, met and soon married Lynn (Sato), and changed his name to George. The two owned Jean's Bakery & Fountain (1950- 1971). He was known for his tiered wedding cakes, Danish pastries, and goodness as an employer. He was the first president of Kailua Japanese Civic Club. After retiring as a baker, George worked as a City & County groundskeeper. He loved shore fishing, Vegas, bowling, sumo, UH sports, and playing tennis (until age 97) with his Kailua Seniors Tennis Club friends. He is survived by daughters Jean Sumimoto, Gloria Chapman, and Carol Abe; and grandchildren Mark Sumimoto, Rick Sumimoto, Ann Walsh, and Kelsey Yama- guchi. He was predeceased by wife Lynn and son Clinton. The family thanks the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who cared for George in his later years. Visitation from 10:30; service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 18. Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018. All at Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
