Kazuo George Sugimoto, 99, born in Parlier, California, passed away peacefully at his home in Pasadena, with his daughter, Lisa, and son, Nathan by his side. George was an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He was the founder of KGS Electronics, a successful avionics electronics company that has been in business for over 50 years. He built KGS based on two important business principals, “Situation Awareness” and “Longevity”. He grew his business and flew his Piper Turbo Arrow based on situation awareness - combining new information with existing knowledge to create a picture of the future and possible courses of action to take. His many business decisions and philanthropic endeavors exemplify his principal of longevity: “Make sure that what’s here today is here tomorrow.”

George was married to Ruri Hirano, who predeceased him in 2016. George and Ruri lived in Pasadena and South Pasadena during their 65 years of marriage. George was a humble man, a caring and loving husband to Ruri, and a great father and role model to Lisa and Nathan. He lived simply, enjoying with passion the game of golf, which he believed created opportunities to bring friends and family together. In response to a question about his biggest dream, George replied, “My dream has always been to raise good children."

George and Ruri’s children, Lisa, (Donald) and Nathan (Christine) treasure the time they spent with their parents and are grateful for their dedication to raising “good children”. Grandchildren, Lindsay, Alyssa (Jackson), Aaron and Garrett admire the love their grandparents shared and the devotion they had to family.

In addition to his immediate family, George is survived by other relatives and many nieces and nephews.

A private service with family was held on December 12 and a celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 23rd, 11am at the Terasaki Budokan, 249 S Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA .

In lieu of koden, please make donation to one of George’s favorite organization: East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Go For Broke National Education Center, Japanese American National Museum, Keiro, Little Tokyo Service Center Budokan, Little Tokyo Service Center, Nisei Week Foundation, Rafu Shimpo Foundation, Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Pasadena Buddhist Temple, Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute, Aurora Foundation or the Heads up Youth Foundation