Hitoshi G. Sameshima, a 93 year old, resident of Altadena, California passed away on May 15, 2014. Born and raised in Pasadena, Mr. Sameshima was interned at Gila River Relocation Camp. During WWII he served his country in the US Army Military Intelligence Service and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2012. Funeral services were held privately at Higashi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple on June 2, 2014.


Mr. Sameshima was active in many organizations, often serving as President. They included the MIS Club of Southern California, Japanese American National Museum volunteers where he was a docent for 24 years, Go for Broke National Education Center, Crown City Optimists, Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute and VFW Post 1961.

Mr. Sameshima was predeceased by his wife, Utako Sameshima, his daughters Linda Michiko Sameshima-Rost and Janet Sachiko Sameshima, his brother, Kenji Jack Sameshima, sister-in-law, Etta Sameshima of Washington and his niece, Shirley Okumura Cartney.

He is survived by his sisters, Fumiko (Takeo) Yuge and Fujiko Sameshima; nieces and nephews, Misako Nadine Ishizu, Katsuko Carolyn Yuge, Akemi Joyce (Dennis Aoki) Yuge, Miharu Cynthia (Cris Cabacungan) Yuge, Wilma Ann Sameshima of Washington, Eric (Gayleene) Sameshima, Robert (Corinne) Okumura of Washington, James (Robin) Okumura and Donna Okumura; and son-in-law, Michael C. Rost. He is also survived by many other relatives.