We joyfully remember the life of Tadayoshi “Tad” Suzuki, who passed away on February 12, 2026, just one month shy of his 99th birthday. Tad was born in Kahuku, Hawai’i on March 31, 1927, the second son of Shuzaburo and Neyo Suzuki.

Tad was a loving husband, devoted father, caring brother, and beloved grandpa and great-grandpa. He is survived by his dear wife, Elinor; their four children and spouses: Rodney (Luz) Suzuki, Daryl (Janice) Suzuki, Denise (Rob) Tang, and Randy (Naomi) Suzuki; his sisters: Joanne Chung, Jean (Harold) Kanja; his brother, Charles (Judith) Suzuki; his eleven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Tad served in the Intelligence Unit of the U.S. Army prior to earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics at the University of Hawai’i. In 1953, Tad moved to the mainland and began working at Hughes Aircraft, where he later retired as a senior scientist after 32 years. A pioneer in the field, Tad also taught computer science as a professor at USC. Two years after moving to Los Angeles, Tad married his bride, Elinor Keiko Kawamoto. Tad and Elinor celebrated 70 joyful years of marriage together last year.

Tad was also a pillar of his community. He coordinated numerous sports programs with the Venice Youth Council and served as treasurer, vice president, president and chair of the board of the Venice Japanese Community Center, where he was recognized as “Man of the Year,” presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and honored as a “komon” for his remarkable leadership of, and service to the Nikkei community. In all that he did, Tad’s family was always foremost in his heart — he often shared that his greatest joy was witnessing the happiness of his growing family. Tad’s service, resilience, sacrifice, steadfastness, and kindness left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew him, and he will always be remembered. We miss him dearly.

A private celebration of Tad’s life will be held on March 7. In lieu of flowers and koden, please make donations out to the Venice Japanese Community Center or Venice Free Methodist Church.