Samuel Masami Takahashi of Modesto passed away on Sunday, July 18 in his home. Sam was born on Nov. 11, 1916 in Oakland. He was one of five children to Terumi Takahashi of Chiba, Japan and Kiyo Nobe of Yokohama, Japan. During WW II, he and his family were forced to sell everything and become imprisoned in the Japanese internment camps. Despite this racism, Sam proudly served in the United States Army during WW II as a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most highly decorated regiment in the history of the United States Armed Forces. Because of his service in the Field Artillery Battalion from 1943 to 1946, Sam’s hearing was almost completely gone in his old age. After the war, Sam graduated with a BA degree in biology. He worked as a biochemist for 27 years at the National Institute of Health in Washington, D.C. and retired in Ceres in 1977 when his wife, Lily, had a stroke. Sam was a unique, caring, humble, generous, fun-loving, laugh-out-loud kind of a guy. One of his passions was his garden. He grew grapes, almonds, kiwis, white peaches, nectarines, pomegranates, cucumbers, plums, and much more. He also loved the outdoors. Three of his favorite spots were Kauai, Monterey, and Lake Tahoe.
Sam is survived by Lily Takahashi, his wife of over 67 years.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 30 at 3828 Marigold Lane, Modesto, CA 95356.
Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com.
Samuel Takahashi
November 1916 July 2010

