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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Edward Sakata

Edward Sakata passed away Dec. 9, 2020 after a long illness from MSA.

Edward (78) was born in Los Angeles, CA, during World War II. He and his family were interned at the Rowher, Ark. Japanese internment camp. After the war, the family returned to Los Angeles.

Edward graduated with distinction from Stanford University in 1964 with a degree in chemical engineering. He earned a M.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Washington in 1967.

Edward enjoyed a long career with the E.I. DuPont Company until he retired in 1998. He started at DuPont Chambers Works in New Jersey and then moved to the Engineering Services Division at Louviers in Newark DE. He also worked at the Antioch Plant in CA, where he earned his California Professional Engineer’s license and the Corpus Christi Plant in TX. In his remaining years at DuPont, he returned to the Chambers Works location where he became the liaison to Japan in the Fluoroproducts Division. Before he retired, he obtained two patents, became a DuPont Engineering Fellow, and earned the DuPont Engineering Excellence Award.

His interests were fly fishing, computers, tennis, and gardening. In retirement he became passionate about golf and ballroom dancing. He was forever grateful to the anonymous donor who gave him a kidney that extended his life for another 20 years.

Edward is survived by his wife, Mitzi; children, Rachel and Lauri; two grandchildren; and many other family members including nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Remembrances may be made to Densho – The Japanese American Legacy Project (https://densho.org/) or the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland and Delaware (https://www.kidneymd.org/)

Funeral Services

Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, there will be no service at this time.

Condolences

    Erica Hahn lit a candle and writes,
    Mitzi, We are so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. You are in our thoughts, Erica and Erik Hahn
    12/21/2020 09:10 am
    susan Humphreys lit a candle and writes,
    Mitzi, we are so sorry about Ed's passing. We want you to know that we are thinking of you and your family. I can still picture you and Ed ballroom dancing. Take care of yourself. Your TTL ballroom friends, Sue and Ken Hamill.
    12/21/2020 10:03 am
    Jack and Bev Jordan lit a candle and writes,
    We are deeply sadden to hear that Ed had passed. We are thinking of you and wish that we still had you for a neighbor. We remember fondly the day that we were all working in our yards. Ed was wearing a pair of bell bottoms that he said that he had had for twenty plus years. That particular day a back seam in his beloved pants decided to give way and he went inside to change. He came came back out shortly to finish his project in a pair of bell bottoms exactly like his beloved ones; only these had never been worn before. He told us that he had purchased two pairs of these pants many years ago and he could now wear this second pair for at least twenty more years. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Our best to Lauri and Rachel. Much love, Bev and Jack Jordan
    12/22/2020 01:40 pm
    HELEN A CONNON lit a candle and writes,
    I worked with Ed at times in the late 80's when dealing with our Japanese Fluorochemicals customers. He was very sharp and professional and also just a really nice person. Great sense of humor. I remember walking down a street with him in Tokyo when a man tried to hand him a leaflet. Ed refused the leaflet and said in perfect, unaccented Japanese, "I don't read Japanese." The look of confusion on the man's face was priceless and we had a good laugh. I was sad to hear in the late 90's that he retired due to kidney issues. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Helen Connon
    12/23/2020 03:01 pm
    Nancy V Chorba writes,
    Mitzi, I just heard your beloved husband died. I am sad for you and also relieved he is no longer suffering. You helped him live with his terrible illness with grace and dignity. I respect you so much for that. I know you are likely going through a rollar coaster of emotions right now and pray you find peace in your faith. I was unaware of your husband's stellar career and didn't know he was in Corpus Christi as we were. I hope to see you in 2021 when visiting Dad when it is safe. Peace and love, Nancy Chorba
    01/17/2021 07:11 pm
    Charlotte Araki lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Mitzi, I just found this. Sorry to see that Ed is gone. Take care and contact me if you can. Tatsuya and I live in Colorado now.
    08/11/2022 12:27 am

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