Yosh Nakano

Yoshio Nakano

Yoshio Nakano, a longtime Lafayette resident and father who brought laughs to his family, died April 2 at age 84.

Yosh was the fifth of seven kids born to Ataru and Yukuse Nakano. Born in Alameda and raised in Oakland, Yosh was interned during World War II at the Gila River Relocation Center near Phoenix. After the war, he graduated from Castlemont High School in Oakland. He enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. He returned to the Bay Area, graduated from UC Berkeley and became a property appraiser and later supervisor in the assessor's office of Contra Costa County, where he worked until his retirement 20 years ago.

Outside of work, Yosh spent his time with his wife of 40 years, Rubie, and their three children. He was past president of the Oakland Buddhist Church. He was a lifelong A's and Raiders fan, enjoyed gardening and, after Rubie's passing in 2004, traveled frequently with his grandchildren. He liked to golf, lunch with former co-workers, care for his grand-dogs Bailey and Daisy,  and, much to his family's surprise, line dance at church.

When Alzheimer's and other health problems required additional care, Yosh found a second home at Nikkei Senior Gardens in L.A. There he enjoyed music, bingo and excursions to new sights. During his two years in L.A., he remained a steadfast A's fan in a sea of Dodger blue.

Yosh died peacefully, fulfilling his wish to once again be with his beloved wife.

Yosh is survived by son Brad, Brad's wife, Gloria, and their children, Daniel and Eric; daughter Marla and Marla's partner, Deanne Kelso; son Craig and Craig's husband, Todd Henneman; sister Jean and brothers Mas and Sunao; and dozens of loving cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family members. He is preceded in death by brothers Jumi, Ken and Don.

The family invites friends to pay their respects from 2 to 4 p.m. April 26 at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette. Family and friends are also welcome at a memorial service at 4 p.m. April 27 at Oakland Buddhist Church, 825 Jackson St., 94607. Interment on April 28 will be private.