Misao Niizawa

1932 - 2021

Misao Niizawa
MAY 26, 1932 - MAY 6, 2021
Aromas
Forever 88, Misao missed celebrating his 89th birthday by just under three weeks. Following a massive stroke in March, Misao died peacefully at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz on a blue sky, bright sunny day, one he would have chosen to photograph for certain.
Born in Turlock the fourth of eight children, Misao spent his pre-teen years at Camp Amache in Granada, Colorado, where he and his family were incarcerated during WWII. In 1950 Misao graduated from Sanger High School and later served in the U.S. Army as a topographic engineer, stationed primarily in Alaska prior to statehood.
Upon discharge, Misao worked at Valley View Packing where he met and married Eleanor (Hashimoto), his wife of 63 years. Misao and Eleanor began their married life in Gilroy and started a family soon thereafter with the birth of two sons and one daughter. Most Gilroy residents will remember Misao as the smiling, helpful and friendly post office clerk where he was employed for almost three decades.
In addition to managing a small family farm, Misao was active in supporting the Gilroy JACL and Buddhist Church, Rucker 4-H, youth basketball and baseball leagues, and band parent driver aka Mario Andretti. His hobbies throughout the years included fishing, gardening, tending a koi pond, photographing family events and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Misao leaves behind his wife Eleanor, sons Kenneth (son Adrion) and Bennett (Helen), daughter Annette (Dan), brother Takashi, sister Judy, brothers-in-law Richard and Jerry, along with several nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by parents Zitaro and Take, brothers Johnny, Floyd and Shigeru, and sisters Betty and Natsu. His loving memories will be cherished and remain in our hearts forever.
A memorial service will be scheduled some time later this year.



View the online memorial for Misao Niizawa