Robert Satoshi Okamoto

1923 - 2012

Robert Satoshi Okamoto
Resident of San Jose, CA.
Robert passed away peacefully on December 30, 2012. Bob was the beloved husband of the late Fujiko Okamoto; loving father of Barbara Kawahara (John), grandfather of Megan and Sami.
Preceded in death by parents Yaichi and Tomo Okamoto, siblings George Okamoto, Shizue Nakamitsu, Yasuko Uyeda and Roy Okamoto.
Bob lived a full and healthy life of 89 years. He was born in Sebastopol, CA, where he attended Analy High School and Santa Rosa Junior College. Upon the outbreak of WW II, Bob and his family were evacuated to Amache internment camp in Colorado. Shortly thereafter, he was allowed to leave camp to work in Chicago, where he enrolled in Northern Illinois College of Optometry. Bob graduated from optometry school in 1946. He was a member of the Omega Epsilon Phi fraternity. Upon graduation, Bob opened his practice in San Jose's Japantown, where he worked for the next 56 years. It was in his early years in San Jose that he met the love of his life, Fujiko "Fudge" Sakane. The two were married in 1948 and had one daughter, Barbara. Bob was very active in the community, serving as one of the founders of the San Jose JACL Blue Cross group in 1947, as a member of the Santa Clara Grand Jury in 1969, and as past president of both the San Jose Civic Center Lions Club and the Japantown Business Association. Bob also dedicated his time to various other community projects.
The primary joy in Bob's life was his wife of 63 years, Fujiko. They went on countless excursions together to all corners of the world. Although they lived a life well traveled, a light went out for Bob with the passing of Fudge last year. They were each other's ideal life partner, as well as affectionate and caring parents and grandparents. Bob was a true gentleman, which he reflected with such patience, intelligence, humility and humor. He will be sorely missed by his family and all those who knew him.
A celebration of Robert's life will be held at a memorial service on March 2, Saturday, 1:00 p.m. at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 566 N. 5th Street San Jose. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wesley church, Yu Ai Kai at 588 N. Fourth St San Jose, or your preferred charity is appreciated by the family.