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BORN
1927
DIED
2021
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Paul Kitagaki Obituary
Paul Kiyoshi Kitagaki, San Francisco Bay Area native, was born Mar. 9, 1927 in Oakland, CA to Suyematsu and Juki Kitagaki of Kumamoto-ken, Japan. He passed away Oct. 11, 2021 at 94.
Mr. Kitagaki and his family were among those locked in incarceration camps behind barbed wire by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Order 9066, which removed 110,000 Japanese, two-thirds native-born Americans, from the West Coast. Tanforan Assembly Center held them in 1942. Then they were imprisoned with 8,000 other incarcerates at Topaz Relocation Center, Utah.
After WWII he served the Army Air Force in New Mexico, learning radar and electronics. There he met Agnes Eiko Takahashi. They married on July 20, 1949, a union lasting 57 years. Agnes died in 2007, age 84.
Paul followed his older brother Mario to San Francisco State College. Both became teachers. He was revered at Lux Lab for gifted students at Polytechnic High School in San Francisco and influenced many engineers who had successful careers in tech, one of whom recalled him as "unquestionably the most influential teacher I ever had. Paul brought in the first microprocessor, still on a wafer, that I'd ever seen." Following Polytechnic!s closure, he taught at Woodrow Wilson and McAteer High schools and at Everret and Visitation Middle schools.
Fascinated with technology throughout life, he accumulated more than 40 computers, from hand-held calculators to the newest Apple. Avid ham radio operator, he was a proud Navy Affiliate Military Radio System member, supporting state, federal and international agencies in emergencies. His back yard was filled with radio antennas.
He loved to share iPhone videos at his assisted living home in Carmichael, California.
Mr. Kitagaki's family appreciated his ice cream appetite; a restaurant dinner always included a visit to Swenson's on Hyde Street when he lived in the Bay Area.
He was preceded in death by siblings Hisayo Koga, Mario Kitagaki, Nobuo Kitagaki and Kimiko Wong.
Survivors include son Paul Kitagaki Jr. and wife Renée C. Byer; Paul's children Chris and Jessica Kitagaki Herrick, Naomi Kitagaki and Bryce and Monica Kitagaki Palmer; daughter Susan Sy and husband Gilbert Sy, children Brian and Elissa Sy; James and Emily Sy Pena; great-grandchildren Aden and Avalyn Herrick, Riley Sanders, Brayden and Quinn Palmer and Thomas Sy.
He will be interred with Agnes at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Kitagaki
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
SERGIO SALINAS
June 15, 2025
Mr. Kitagaki was my teacher back in the 80's at Everett Middle School. I remember he always had a smile. He was a kind and gentle person. I have very good memories of my interactions with him. I remember saying "Hello" to him when he was a teacher at Mcateer High School. I did not have him as one of my teachers during high school but I always greeted him when I saw him at school. Its unfortunate I did not have a chance to see him here in the Bay area to have talked to Mr. Kiragaki. It would have been nice. God Bless my old teacher.
H Gayle Swinburne
November 12, 2023
The night sky has gained another bright, celestial inhabitant. And the Earth has lost a brilliant ray of hope for our future. Prayers of Light, Healing & Love to all left behind.
Edmund Wong
October 27, 2022
Cindy McIntire
March 3, 2022
I'm so sorry to learn of Paul's passing. I sent him a text message today, hoping to get a reply after no reply to my New Year greeting. He was such a joy to talk with, always kind and willing to share some news. I met Paul thru the MARSGRAM network when m husband was active duty USCG. He & Agnes joined us for a Tiger Cruise thru the Sac Delta to CG Island on USCGC SHERMAN in the mid 90's! I'm so very thankful to have met them both and to have had them as friends. I had hoped Paul could make it to 100! I find comfort knowing that they're @ GGNC near my parents. My sympathies to Paul's family members, I know what a difficult time this must still be for you all. Cindy, Will & Patrick
November 10, 2021
Dear Paul, Susan, and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I have such fond memories of Paul. Many years ago my Mom and I met up with your Mom and Dad to have lunch. We had such fun and I remember your Dad having his ice cream. A year after my Mom passed your Dad called me on my birthday to wish me "Happy Birthday". I was so surprised and it touched my heart so. Recently we have been in touch on Facebook. Your Dad responding to my posts and family pictures with likes and comments. Paul had such a full life and was such a good man. I know his memory is a blessing to you all and to me to. Love, Charleen Maschinot Hurton
Edmund Wong
November 9, 2021
Good-by to an old friend.
Christopher Jordan
November 6, 2021
Mr. Kitagaki was my teacher 1965-1966. The Lux Lab was my reason for going to Polytechnic. He knew so much and unselfishly shared his knowledge with us. I will always remember his smile, his bow-tie, and his patience. God Bless You. My condolences to the Kitagaki family.
Arleen Valle
November 4, 2021
My sincere condolences to Mr. Kitagaki's entire family and friends.
Although he wasn't one of my teachers, I do remember him and the smile he always had when I walked through the halls.
May he rest in peace.
Ross Hamilton
November 3, 2021
Oh, Paul, I´m deeply saddened to hear of your wonderful dad´s passing. My heart goes out to you, Renée and the girls.
Michael Kemmitt
November 3, 2021
I knew Mr Kitagaki during my brief stay at Polytechnic High in 1960. Although he wasn´t one of my teachers, I knew him through the Lux lab, which was his domain. An impressive teacher, very dedicated and energetic. I´m glad to read he had a long and happy life. God Bless Him
Chris Hill
November 3, 2021
I knew Paul threw the MARS organization we talked several times on the ham radio and I met him at a few of our get-togethers in conventions he was a very kind and sweet man and always had time to talk with you I have fond memories of knowing Paul
Chris NNN0IDW
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