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Thomas Ogawa Obituary
04/12/1942 - 09/12/2024
Thomas "Tats" Ogawa, DDS, passed away in Burlingame on September 12, 2024. Born April 12, 1942, in Tokyo, Japan, he immigrated to the United States in 1955. He was a lifelong resident of the San Francisco Japantown, then Burlingame, and an active member of the San Francisco Japanese American community. Tats was a graduate of Washington High School class of 1960, then graduated UC Berkeley with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then received his Masters Degree in Engineering from the University of Southern California. He had a career in Aerospace Engineering and nuclear engineering before pursuing a career in dentistry. Tats graduated from the University of San Francisco Dental School and embarked on what would be a 40-year career in dentistry in San Francisco and San Mateo. He was a member of the San Francisco Dental Society, San Francisco Nisei Optimist Club, T58 Luncheon Club, Burlpres Church, and SF Nisei Fishing Club. He loved to fish, ski, dance, practice judo, hike, travel, and socialize.
Tats leaves behind his wife, Susan, and son, Eric; his daughter-in-law Angela, and two grandchildren, Jacob and Emma. He was preceded in death by daughter Tiffany in 1996. He was a loving father, active community member, and rambunctious friend. He will be dearly missed.
A Celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Burlpres Church, Burlingame. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions to your favorite charity are suggested.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Ogawa
5 Entries
Madred and Jeffery Slaker
November 11, 2024
We were sad to get the news today from Melissa of Tat's passing. Jeff and Melissa always shared good memories of him and we share your grief in his passing. Sincerely, Jeff and Madred Slaker
Norm Haraguchi
November 4, 2024
To the family of Tats Ogawa. My deepest condolences to Susan and family of Tats. I have known Tats since we went to Cal together and even roomed with him in Los Angeles when we attended USC for our advanced degrees. Tats is one of the nicest and fun loving friends I have every had. He will be missed. I was also blessed to attend his marriage to you Susan and was able to share one of his happiest moments in his life. Please also share my sympathies to George Toriyama and sister Sandra. I share their loss as well.
Ruby & Alan Unger
November 2, 2024
Dear Susan, Eric & Angela,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father, and father-in-law. For 30 years Tom ruled my teeth with creative skill, gentle care, and good humor. We had a warm relationship and I trusted no other with my dental care. After he left SF, as you know, I followed him to San Mateo, and farther south from my home in Mill Valley. I would have followed him anywhere. He was such a good, generous and compassionate man.
Our hearts and thoughts are with you as you mourn - may the happy memories rise to the surface when you think of him. I know he adored you all and cherished his role as a grandfather.
We will see you today at his service; our chance to be with others who loved him.
With deepest regards,
Ruby (aka "Ms. Nancy") & Alan Unger
Victoria (Vicki Nigorizawa) Flatley
October 27, 2024
Susan & Eric, I am honored and humbled to have known Tats as a family member, friend and an awesome dentist. All of you are in my prayers. Affectionately, Victoria (Vicki Nigorizawa) Flatley
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Steve and Ruthie Kurimoto
October 6, 2024
Dear Susan and Eric
So sorry to hear that Tats passed away. We had many good memories on the river.
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