Antonio T. Kodama

Antonio T. Kodama Antonio T. Kodama, born May 15th 1935 in Sapporo, Japan, passed away peacefully on September 3rd 2011 with his family close by. He was the youngest of eight children. Antonio pursued his doctoral studies in Italy where he met his first wife, Isabella. They eventually married in the United States, moved to Seattle, and had three sons, Sandro, Paul, and Steven. After settling the family in Tacoma, Washington, Tony became the manager of the seafood and Asian food department at Villa Thriftco in Lakewood, staying with the same employer for his entire career. He and Isabella raised their three boys, proudly getting all of them through college and on to successful careers. In 1994, his wife Isabella died suddenly while traveling in Africa. In 2001, he married Katherine Chappell, a widow with four adult children, who had been a longtime family friend. Tony was gifted with a beautiful voice and music was always a big part of his life. He sang in various choirs in Tacoma including the Male Orpheus Choir, Paul Schultz's Repertory Choir, Mount Fuji Chorus, and several Catholic Church choirs in the area. To his last day, Tony maintained a passion for music. Tony is survived by his three sons, four grandchildren, his extended family and his loving wife, Kathy. Rosary service will be held at 7pm on Thursday September 8th at Gaffney Funeral Home at 1002 S. Yakima Ave, Tacoma, Washington 98405. Funeral services will be on Friday September 9th at noon, at St. Joseph Parish at 608 S. 34th St, Tacoma, Washington 98418. Family suggests memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church and Franciscan Hospice. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003