Tsuneo Watanabe Obituary

TSUNEO WATANABE Tsuneo Watanabe, aged 96, peacefully passed away at home on August 10, 2025, in Waipahu, HI. Born on April 27, 1929, Tsuneo was a cherished member of his community and a devoted family man. Tsuneo is survived by his wife of 70 years, Susan Watanabe, and their children: Kyle Watanabe (Wilma), Lance Watanabe (Teri), Diane Sugai (Grant), and Debbie Ouchi (Neal). He was a proud grandfather to three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Tsuneo was preceded in death by his parents, Hikokichi and Matsu Watanabe, and his siblings, Kenichi Watanabe (Miki), Rikio Watanabe (Lucy), Kazuo Watanabe (Beatrice), Fumie Kitamori (Charles), and Takako Endo (Seichi). A 1947 graduate of Waipahu High School, Tsuneo furthered his education at the University of Hawaii, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree and was a dedicated baseball player for four years. His passion for baseball continued throughout his life; he played and coached the sport for over 60 years, coached his sons, and enjoyed watching his grandson (Brandon Watanabe) and grand-nephews play. He also played softball and enjoyed watching his granddaughter (Dori Ann Sugai) play softball for the University of Hawaii. Tsuneo's professional life started at the Waipahu Sugar Plantation followed by a successful career as an insurance agent. In his leisure time, Tsuneo enjoyed playing golf and singing karaoke. He was a devout worshipper at the Waipahu Soto Zen Temple, Taiyoji, where he found great peace and community. Services to honor Tsuneo's life will be held at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm followed by the service at 6:00 pm. His life was a testament to his dedication to his family, his community, and his passions, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.