Takeshi Yamaji's Obituary
Takeshi passed away on, Friday evening, April 24, 2020. His wife, Misao, had passed away 5 years earlier and was married to Takeshi for 55 years. He is a beloved father to Satoshi “Sam” and his wife Donna, Rumi and her husband Corey, Alan and his partner Dennycys. Also, he is a cherished grandfather to Nicole and her significant other, John, (great-grand daughter, Samantha), Adam and his wife, Alexandra, and Akira.
Takeshi and his wife Misao were the first documented Japanese deaf couple to pioneer to America. His life was a long list of accomplishments and one filled with perseverance and tenacity. He travelled the world and always had a special talent for sharing these stories intertwined with humor, vibrance and many times intertwined with Japanese folklore. His accomplishments included as a machinist, he was an inventor of an automated crepe maker being used in restaurants, served as a liaison between the Asian Deaf community and the Dinkins Administration, participated as a world class skier on the US Deaf Olympic team, he held a position as an adjunct professor at the University of Rochester, and travelled to Japan as a speaker sharing his experiences and challenges in the US as a Japanese Immigrant in the 1960’s until his retirement. He also shared his experiences as a deaf WWII survivor, living with deaf parents and a deaf sister. His passions included travelling both internationally and domestically. He extensively travelled Europe, China, Egypt, and his own country of Japan, as well as Southeast Asia. He also travelled the United States and had a catalog of albums of photos of his and Misao’s travels. He was a craftsman in woodworking and always challenged himself to learning and becoming a master at all he touched. He adored gardening, fishing, drawing/painting and meeting new people while learning their cultures. When he wasn’t actively seeking his next project, he would often be found at peace reflecting and being pensive while recalling his memories when he was a young boy during WW2 and his life with his family. Takeshi had a passion for life and was always willing to share his stories. So many were always captivated when he shared his stories and you found yourself living life through his eyes.
Arrangements are entrusted to Alexander-Levitt Funeral & Cremations, 8135 W. McNab Road, Tamarac, Florida 33321.
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