Charles Sugi

Charles Sugi's extraordinary life ended after 94 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and devoted Christian. He peacefully passed away on Dec. 20, 2007. He lived in the High Desert since 1997, at Sterling Inn. Charles was born in Riverside on Jan. 22, 1913.
Charles graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High School in Riverside and attended the Riverside City Junior College before he enlisted in the Army. He married Martha Yoshida of Riverside in January 1935.Martha preceded Charles in death in 1998.

Serving in the U.S. military has been a family tradition for the Sugi family. Charles' father served in the U.S. Navy. Charles volunteered for the Army on April 21, 1941. He was assigned to the 442nd R.C.T. in February 1943.
As reported in a Daily Press article in March 1999, Charles has been the recipient of several highly distinguished military medals, including the Bronze Star for his work with the Italian partisans during World War II; the Silver Star for his role in the Bruyers/Biffontaine campaign; and Italy's Cross of Military Valor Medal, which was presented to Charles by County Umberto of Savoie. The prestigious Italian medal has been awarded to only two other Americans for outstanding services. Charles was honorably discharged from the Army in 1945.
He attended Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y., and received his B.A. in economics. He then attended Harvard University at Cambridge, Mass., and completed his graduate studies in Far East Political Economics under Edwin Reischauer, who became Kennedy's ambassador to Japan. Dr. Summer Wells, secretary of state under Franklin Roosevelt, was Charles' mentor in diplomacy.
Charles was recalled to active duty in Korea during the Korean War in July 1950, and separated in September 1953. He returned to Harvard to obtain his master's in public education. He was in public education for 21 years.
Charles is survived by his son, Rollin.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday at Sunset Hills Memorial Chapel, 24000 Waalew Road, Apple Valley. Inurnment will follow at Sunset Hills Memorial Park.
Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary is handling arrangements.