George Hasebe

1924 - 2014

George Hasebe
October 18, 1924 – June 8, 2014
Resident of Sunnyvale
George passed away peacefully on June 8, 2014, at his residence in Sunnyvale, CA, due to complications from Alzheimer's Disease, with his loving daughters by his side. He was 89.
George was born October 18, 1924, in Ivanhoe, CA to Shojiro and Toyo Hasebe. In August 1942, his family was relocated to a World War II internment camp in Poston, AZ. Shortly after graduating from high school in 1943, he was able to leave camp early and joined the Merchant Marines, which allowed him to travel the world. During the Korean War, he served in the Army from 1950-1952. On February 17, 1953, George married the love of his life, Betty Setsuko (née Yamashita). He graduated from Indiana Institute of Technology in 1955 with a Bachelor's degree in Radio Engineering. George and Betty finally settled down in San Jose in 1958, when George began working at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company in Sunnyvale as a Design Engineer. After 30+ years at Lockheed and raising their four children, George and Betty retired to Fresno in 1989. Sadly, Betty passed away in 2001, after 48 years of marriage. George briefly lived in Visalia and Watsonville before moving to Sunnyvale in 2009 to be closer to his daughters. George experienced another loss in 2011, when his 55-year-old son, Alan, lost his battle with cancer.
George lived a full, rewarding, and, at times, tragic life. His dedication to his family, hard work ethic, stubbornness, and unexpected sense of humor will be remembered and missed by all who knew him well.
George was preceded in death by his wife Betty Setsuko, son Alan, and his parents and siblings. He is survived by his daughters Joyce (Lance Cushenberry) from Sunnyvale, Emma (Paul Mitchell) from Sunnyvale, Lily (Peter Hester) from Watsonville, daughter-in-law Maria from Patterson, grandchildren Morgan Hasebe-Hester and Olivia Mitchell, and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
The family wants to give special thanks to Heartland Hospice for providing George with their wonderful service this past year. And heartfelt thanks to William, Penny and staff at Willie Care Home where George received the best loving, respectful care during his five years in Sunnyvale.
Per George's wishes, a private family ceremony will be held at a later date.