Gerald Mitsuo Nagasawa at the age of 84, resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2018. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 26, 1934, being seventh of nine children. Beloved husband of Carol and though Jerry never had any children of his own, he was a loving stepfather to Elizabeth, Christina and Kenneth. Jerry enlisted in the army in 1953, served as a Field Commander Crewman when stationed in Okinawa. During his years of service he received a Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal of Honor before receiving an honorable discharge in 1961. Afterwards, he lived in New York City over 20 years, mostly with his brother's family, John and May, working as a typographer, attending Pratt Institute, to expand into lithography. A man of many interests, he enjoyed bowling and golfing but mainly with a keen eye for art and design, his passion was photography. Carol was a neighbor of John and May for many years, becoming one of May's best friends, bringing the two families together. Jerry and Carol met and became close friends until her family moved away. Unafraid of new adventures, Jerry moved back to Hawaii, started a restaurant/food truck business with his sister Jeanne, found comfort in Buddhism and meditation while caring for his ailing mother. There he was reunited with Carol while she visited Hawaii to meet her new grandson Joshua, her daughter, Christina, infamously being known as the catalyst for reuniting Jerry and Carol. Easily picking up from where they left off, they decided to marry, as fate had rejoined them. They eventually retired in Las Vegas, where Jerry expressed his artistic talents, creating beautiful, hand-made cards. Jerry has touched many lives. Loved by all his family and friends, he will be greatly missed and remembered as a gentle, compassionate soul; patient, generous, and helpful, who lived his life with great enjoyment, through all his passions, family and friends. We are grateful that in his passing, it was gently in his sleep in the same manner he lived his life. We can only hope that we may fulfill our lives as gracefully and fully as he did his. Jerry will be buried with military honors. His memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at 2pm at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Military Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, Nevada, 89005. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to cancer research or disabled veterans organizations.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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