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1970 - 2016

BORN

1970

DIED

2016

Dirk Nakazawa Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Dirk Nakazawa
Start: 2016-04-02T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Grace Congregational United Church of Christ

Nakazawa, Dirk

Dirk Nakazawa, 46 years old, passed away suddenly on March 7, 2016. He will be greatly missed. Dirk was born in Nyack, NY on January 24, 1970, the son of Maria and Hiroshi Nakazawa. He was raised in Valley Cottage, NY and attended Green Meadow Waldorf, Dwight-Englewood and The Hill schools. He graduated with a B.S. in International Political Science from Middlebury College, VT. Dirk was passionate about many things and took a keen interest in helping others. He was an active volunteer and dedicated member of NAMI Vermont. In 2009, he became a Connection Recovery Support Group facilitator and he started the first in-hospital NAMI Connection meeting at Rutland Regional Medical Center. The weekly meeting continues today and has branched out to other hospitals.

Dirk was a member of Grace Congregational Church and was a friend of many in his community. Dirk had a vision to plan a proactive community event and as a result he organized the Vermont Motorcycle Rally in June 2008 at the Vermont State Fairgrounds in Rutland. He was a member of the Nyack Field Club where he enjoyed playing tennis. He also loved hockey and skiing.

Dirk leaves his parents, Maria and Hiro Nakazawa, sister, Aniko DeLaney, and former wife, Rosangela Borey.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 14 at 2 P.M. at Grace Episcopal Church, 130 First Avenue (and North Franklin St), Nyack, NY 10960. gracechurchnyack.org. Contributions may be made to NAMI Vermont, 600 Blair Park Road, Suite 301, Williston, VT 05495 or Grace Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal News on Mar. 30, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Dirk Nakazawa

Sponsored by anonymous.

14 Entries

Andrew Fritz

January 10, 2017

Dear Nakazawa Family,
I just heard of Dirk's passing from the Hill Alumni Magazine where my daughter is attending. I became Dirk's friend in France during the Summer of 1986 where we lived as brothers "from different mothers" in a French home in Lacanau-Ocean (near Bordeaux). We had lots of fun memories of playing Tennis, biking through miles of remote pine forests to get to the beach and windsurfing on the lake like Miami Vice. We had some great memories establishing our oenophilic interests with our French family who naturally assumed we had no education about anything good, anything French and anything wine related as we were "simple" Americans. We heartily embraced their training which involved us tasting various delicious wines from the family cellar every night. We were not to drink enough to get drunk which was tested by playing some of their younger nephews in ping-pong every night. If they won the match we were banned from the next nights vino festivities. We quickly understood our limits, our boundaries and came to know the weak link in the chain was the nephews unending thirst for British Smarties so we drank to our heart's content, distributed Smarties acquired from the beach tourist shops during the day and smiled into the moonlight nearly every night.
Even now, 30 years later those days of peace, freedom and just the wind rustling through those fragrant pine trees brings me to an amazing happy place. I hope the Dirk is either there or another spot as only he was the one to make us smile through his insights, cleverness and humor. Cheers to Dirk!
Not sure if this message will get anywhere but do let his parents know his spirit still soars in many. Andrew / [email protected]

Allison

August 22, 2016

I remember Dirk from Middlebury. He was in my class and, though I didn't know him personally, he was very friendly and liked by so many. Like Dirk, I graduated from Middlebury, struggled with substance abuse, and was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder I at the age of 38. Reading about all Dirk has done for mental health advocacy, I wish I had gotten the chance to talk to him. Living with bipolar disorder is a daily struggle and he shined a light on how difficult things can be for people with mental health issues. May he rest in peace as a kind, wise soul.

Andrew Weeks

April 12, 2016

I send my deepest sympathies to Dirk's family following this tragic loss. The news of his passing hit me pretty hard. I am angry!!! Dirk and I were off and on friends over 15 years, having initially spent some time together in recovery. He was smart, passionate and courageous. He was a creative thinker always in search of fertile soil for his latest "seed" thought. Sadly, I am realizing only now all that he accomplished. We laughed a bit, shared meals, played tennis some and worked together on his house. He liked to bring people together and also brought to my consciousness how the words/speech we choose can help shape our lives, for better or worse. He leaves us having made the world a better place in spite of his struggles. He overcame a lot of challenges I feel, and I thank him for his friendship. I will remember you Dirk! In Peace, Andrew

Yohannes Makonnen

April 6, 2016

My deepest condolences on your loss. Dirk and I were fellow midd kids and even though we lost touch over the years I have many fond memories of him and am thankful for him making my life richer. I hope Dirk is at peace, he will live on in the people he touched.

April 5, 2016

RIP Dirk :( fly free and do it in a Epic way .

April 1, 2016

I remember Dirk Fondly from the Hill School. So sorry for your loss and I hope everyone is able to adjust well to the loss of Dirk.

Patti Eslin

March 31, 2016

Dear Dirk's loving family,
I had the honor of meeting your most beautiful boy and want you to know how deeply sorry I am for your loss. We enjoyed many conversations together, in the short period of time I knew him. He was so passionate, kind, thoughtful and one of the most soulful spirits I was blessed to cross paths with. My heart is heavy with his passing, but I can only hope that he is finally free of pain. I leave a penny every day for his "give a penny cause", as I say a silent prayer to honor his wish to make the World a better place for all humans to live. I will carry his essence in my heart forever.

March 30, 2016

You have my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your son. May it bring you a measure of peace knowing all that he accomplished. May God also provide your family with peace, strength and loving comfort. (John 5:25-29)

Paige Corologos

March 28, 2016

Dirk was a good friend, a great co-worker, and an amazing person. I so enjoyed co-teaching with him. I will dearly miss him.

Michelle Tavares

March 26, 2016

My deepest condolences to Dirk's family. He was a compassionate person who helped many people and the world was made a little better because of him.

mark hayes

March 26, 2016

we will miss him. cards wont be the same without him....I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.................................................

Mary K

March 26, 2016

I am saddened to read this news of Dirk's passing. He was always a pleasure to speak with whenever our paths would cross. Thoughts and prayers to his family at this most difficult time.

March 26, 2016

Dear Nakazawa family and friends,
I was so sorry to hear of Dirk's passing. He was a compassionate and tireless worker for the rights of the mentally ill. He will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this holy time of the year. I haven't seen Dirk for a while, but remember him as a bright and talented young man.
My heart goes out to you and your family.

Sincerely,
Debbie Valenta
Rutland, VT

The Staff of Atamaniuk Funeral Home

March 26, 2016

Offering our deepest condolences during this time.

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