Tsutomu Ben Sera

September 18, 1921 – June 13, 2026

Tsutomu Ben Sera, 104, was born in Fresno, California, and was a longtime resident of Culver City, California. He passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Ben lived an extraordinary life spanning more than a century, marked by quiet strength, humility, integrity, and kindness. Above all, he was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather whose greatest joy was his family. Ben also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, singing Japanese enka songs, and traveling with his wife, Suzuko. We will miss him dearly, cherish his memory always, and remain forever grateful for the love he gave us.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzuko; daughters, Christine (Mickey) Fukunaga and Linda (Les) Kumagai; granddaughters, Michelle (Michael) Ibarra, Katherine (David) Edens, and Stephanie (Jonathan) Ishii; grandsons, Matthew Kumagai and Kevin (Erin) Kumagai; great-granddaughters, Olivia and Emily Ishii, Charlotte Kumagai; great-grandson, Theodore Edens; and many nieces and nephews.

A private Buddhist funeral service was held on July 31, 2026, at West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple, officiated by Rev. Koho Takata.