Masao Abe – 11/16/1916 to 8/6/2013
Masao Abe, 96 years old, born November 16, 1916 in San Bernardino, CA passed away on August 6th, 2013. He was a WW II veteran earning two Bronze Stars, a Combat Infantry Badge, an American Theater Ribbon, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with One Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Sixty years later, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
Educated in Japan, Masao was drafted in the U.S. Army three months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served in the Military Intelligence Service (M.I.S.) and fought in the South Pacific battles of Anguar, Peleliu, and Leyte.
A retired Seattle-based Pan American Airlines mechanic, he also worked in Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska. He loved to salmon fish but hardly ever caught one and never ate it. He alpine skied and hunted for matsutake mushrooms into his 80’s. In his 90’s, he gave up driving, and opted to going to Las Vegas and the local casinos for entertainment. Food and world travel were enjoyments shared with Doris, his wife of 63 years who preceded him in death.
Masao was a great warrior both to his country and to his family. He had a generous nature, was a devoted husband, great dad, and doting grandpa. We will all miss him!
Survived by sons, Patrick (Stephanie), Michael (Kathie), and Alan (Sandie); six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Yoichi Abe (Sawako) of Fukishima, Japan; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in the U.S. and Japan.
He will be interred alongside Doris at the National Memorial Military Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. At his request, there will be no services. Remembrances can be made to a charity of your choice .
Published in The Seattle Times on August 18, 2013