John Amano

John Phillip Amano, a lifelong Berkeley and Oakland resident, died peacefully on Oct. 11, 2013 at Alta Bates Hospital. A kind, generous, honest, and ethical man, John will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Born on June 28, 1947 in Berkeley to parents, Mitsy and Bill Amano, John attended Oakland Tech High School and continued his education at California State University at Hayward where he graduated with a degree in Biological Sciences.

After college, the accidental produce man worked at Grower's Produce, Berkeley Bowl, and Monterey Market. He owned Yasai Market on College Avenue for many years. John spent his free time fishing and hiking in California, especially in his favorite spots in the Sierras. Survived by his sisters, Diane (Glenn) Yasuda, Linda (Carter Lee) Amano, Janice (Neil) Urano, his niece, Erin Urano and his nephew, Gen Yasuda, many aunts and uncles, and his best friends, Cheryl Lew, Ted Iijima and family, and Ron Fukuchi and family. The family expresses much gratitude and thanks to his caregivers, Karl and Valentine. His cremated remains will be scattered at his favorite places in Point Reyes and the Sierras, along with the ashes of his beloved dogs, Mattie and Mitu. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the East Bay SPCA, Oakland, 8323 Baldwin Street, Oakland, CA 94621.