George Sakamoto

1922 - 2018

George passed away peacefully on September 12, 2018. He was born in Sacramento on November 24, 1922 to Torakichi and Tomio Sakamoto, one of ten children: Fumi, Jimmy, Kenny, Torao, Yaeko, Mieko, Kimiko, George, Edna and William. During WWII, George was interned at Tule Lake Relocation Camp before relocating to the East Coast to be with family. He enlisted in the Navy in 1946 and served on the USS Compton. While studying at UC Berkeley, he was recalled to service in 1951 and saw combat in the Korean War on the USS Kidd. After receiving his Masters in Business at Sacramento State College, George taught business and typing at San Juan High School for over 30 years as well as evening classes at American River College. In 1954, he married his next-door neighbor, Betty Hayashi (who passed away in 2017). He was a loving father to his three children and a wonderful grandfather to his three grandsons. George attended Parkview Presbyterian Church for over 65 years, singing in the choir and serving in multiple capacities. Although he struggled with Alzheimer's for many years, he never lost his sweet, gentle spirit. He is survived by his sister, Edna White; children Sue Ann (Curt) Finley, Alan (Anne) Sakamoto, and Julie (Phillip) Chew; grandsons Joel (Emma) Finley, Nathan Finley and Jay Chew; great-grandchildren Caleb and Claire Finley; and many loved nephews and nieces. There will be a private gathering for family. In lieu of donations or flowers, please honor George by doing something he loved: enjoy a meal with good friends and family, sing a hymn, go fishing, watch a Sacramento Kings game, play with your grandchildren or go on a long walk.