Beloved father and grandfather Roy Kitano of Long Beach passed away on December 3, 2015 at the age of 92. He is survived by his daughter Judi Kitano (Mike Yogi); his grandchildren Katherine, Matthew and Daniel Yogi; and many nephews and nieces. Roy was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Toshiko Tahara Kitano, and his sons John Kitano and James Kitano.
Roy and his three siblings were raised in Compton, California, where their family farmed before World War II. After the war the family founded a retail nursery, Kitano Garden Center, first in Compton, and later expanded into Long Beach and La Palma. Roy was a veteran nurseryman and small business proprietor until his retirement. He had a quick wit and great sense of humor, and was a dedicated family man. Later in life he was generous in caring for his two sons. Roy was very active up through his late 80's tending to his garden and greenhouse for hours each day.
A funeral service for Roy will be held on Monday, December 14 at Gardena Valley Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m., casual attire.