Kazuko Kitaoka "Kazy"

February 28, 1928 – September 11, 2024

Kazuko, or Kazy Kitaoka, 96, born in Los Angeles, California and a longtime resident of Orange County, CA, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Norisada Kitaoka.  Both were U.S. military veterans.  Kazy was a captain in the U.S. Air Force medical corps of registered nurses.  Harvey was the first Japanese American jet aviator in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.  He flew over 100 missions, receiving a special commendation for meritorious achievement, displaying outstanding qualities of initiative and courage in aggressive actions with total disregard for his personal safety that saved the life of his squadron leader and insured the success of the mission.

Kazy is survived by her nephews, Jeffrey (Jeri Lynn Endo) Furumura, Mark Kitaoka, Cedric and Richard Yoshimura, Wayne (Cyra) Saito, Martin (Jennifer) and Randy (Chenee) Nishikawa; nieces, Kathleen (William) Kiang, Nancy Kitaoka, Jeannie Yoshimura, Tina (Ramiro) Santoyo, Gail (Wayne) Yamagiwa, Judy (Russell) Osato, Lori (Rodney) Imamura; brother-in-law, Frank Nishikawa; sister-in-law, Setsuko Yoshimura and many grand and great grand nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 961 S. Mariposa Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006.

www.fukuimortuary.com (213) 626-0441