Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Gordon Nakagawa Obituary
USN (Ret.)
June 13, 1935 ~ August 23, 2011
MARINA, CA - Captain Gordon Ross Nakagawa, USN (Ret.), age 76, a career naval officer, passed away surrounded by his family at Westland House on August 23, 2011, following a courageous battle with cancer. Captain Nakagawa was a long-time resident of Marina.
He was born June 13, 1935 in Auburn, California, to the late Bunny and Harriett Nakagawa. He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne and their three children, Gregory, Kathleen, and Steven; three grand-children, Ryan, Graham, and Tait; and his loyal lab, Maddy.
Captain Nakagawa graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering, and the Naval Postgraduate School with an MS degree in Electrical Engineering, where he also returned to teach Weapons Systems in Operations Research.
Captain Nakagawa's distinguished career as a naval officer included flying 185 combat missions in the A-6 intruder during four combat deployments to Vietnam. In December 1972 his aircraft was struck by enemy fire, resulting in his being detained as a POW in Hanoi. Captain Nakagawa also was Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Station Pt. Mugu, coordinated all major design competitions for Naval Aviation at Naval Air Systems Command, and in his final active duty assignment, was Chair for Tactical Analysis at Naval Postgraduate School Monterey.
During his service, Captain Nakagawa was awarded two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, two Meritorious Service Medals, Distinguished Marksman (Rifle) Medal, Distinguished Pistol Medal, POW Medal and various other campaign, service and individual awards.
He was elected to the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Board serving eight and a half years, and is a Board Member Emeritus of Leadership Monterey Peninsula. He was granted a Leadership Recognition Award from the California Association of Leadership Programs. He is a 2000 California State University Monterey Bay Distinguished Fellow, a 2004 Monterey County Veteran of the Year, and 2006 Marina Citizen of the Year.
Celebration of Life services will be held Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 1:00pm at the Fort Ord Military Community Chapel, Bldg. 4280, General Jim Moore Blvd. Chaplain Louis Rosa will preside.
In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established in his name for The Marina Foundation (http://www.themarinafoundation.org/donate_2011.html) and the Central Coast Cemetery Foundation (http://ccvcf.com/).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Nakagawa
LTC Jim Nagel
July 9, 2012
I had CAPT Nakagawa as an instructor for a course at NPS in the late 1990s. He was a wonderful person and a fantastic teacher. Our country lost a great person.
James Lowder
December 19, 2011
It was a privilege and honor to have known such a great man. Our deepest condolences. Jim & Naly Lowder
Charles & Gladys Morrison
September 12, 2011
Our family was deeply saddend to hear of your loss. Mr. Nakagawa's strength, honor and love for his family will grow and live long in the smiles and memories of his children and grand children. A true American Hero and role model. He will be missed and remembered by many. May the Lord bless you all.
Peace & Aloha.
Charles & Gladys Morrison and Family
Dean Flippo
September 9, 2011
Wishing you peace and comfort at this most difficult time.
September 4, 2011
Jeanne,
Please accept my condolences.
Gordie I am sure has been selected to serve on the Staff of the Supreme Commander immediately after his "Two Bells" salute and "Final Launch and roll." May Fair Winds, Following Seas, and He be with you and your family. Nori Endo Captain US Navy (ret.)
I have notified VAdm J. Unruh, Adm J. Calvert, and the G. Bonnet, LCDR USN ret. webmaster of the R-A-F-S.org.
September 3, 2011
Knowing both of you at Lincoln High School as just wonderful young students and then all going their own way in life,having to see the loss of Gordon after his years of service and all he endured thru the war i am here to offer condolences to his family and belated thank you for his time of service at war and for the love you had for one another Deepest sympathies. Lucy (Amodei) Taylor
Takasumi Kojima
September 2, 2011
To Jeanne and the Nakagawa Family;
We are truly sorry to hear about the passage of Gordon Nakagawa; it came as a shock to hear that someone who undertook such heroic missions has passed away.
I first met Gordon at the University of Clifornia, Berkeley in 1953. The three Placer County students shared the same dormitory for the four years.
Gordon majored i Electrical Engineering; he was on the UC -Berkeley rifle team which in 1956 won the National Intercollegiate Championship. Gordon would become an outstanding Naval Officer as he graduated from the tough academically major and was a member of TAU BETA PI (Engineering Honor Socciety).
I followed his military career and he was in my mind the most outstanding military officer to come out of Placer County; a real hero and outstanding citizen.
The departed whom we now remember have entered into the peace of life eternal. Gordon still live on earth in the acts of goodness he performed and in the hearts of those who cherished his memory. May the beauty of his life abide among us as loving tribute.
August 31, 2011
Captain Nakagawa was a very respected and nice person to work with. I worked with him in the Operations Research Department as the Supply Technician until I left California in 1998. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. The family has my sympathy.
Doris Lockhart, Jackson, MS
Ron Saxton
August 30, 2011
My sympathy to the family of this great American hero. I knew him via living in Marina, the School Board and Leadership Monterey. Alway a leader and role model. Hand salute.
Skip Peltz
August 29, 2011
Gordon was my most respected and remembered CO in VA-196. I had the pleasure of meeting his lovely wife. May God rest his soul and watch over his family in this difficult time. Former YN1/YNC VA-196
Alan Conklin
August 29, 2011
Last line should be: "With our love."
Alan Conklin
August 29, 2011
Dear Jeanne & Family,
I was saddened to learn of Gordon's passing. He will be fondly remembered as a good man, CO of VA-196, a mentor, and with my greatest respect. You will be in our thoughts & prayers as you go through this difficult time. With out love,
Former PN1/PNC, VA-196
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Gordon Nakagawa's name
Memorial Events
for Gordon Nakagawa
How to support Gordon's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gordon Nakagawa's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
