Ray Reiji Tsurumoto's Obituary
Ray Reijii Tsurumoto died January 12 2024 peacefully after a brief illness. Born in San Leandro, Ca. on September 6, 1927. He grew up on the farms of the East Bay until WWII. His mother Torii, father Matsutaro, sister Helen, brothers James and Benjamin were soon moved to Colorado. After WWII , they moved to a farm in Turlock, Ca. After briefly attending City College of San Francisco, Ray was drafted into the US Occupation Army of Japan until his discharge at the end of the occupation in 1952. In January 1953 he married his lifelong partner Setsuko until her death in 2014. Together they returned to the East Bay and soon settled in Hayward.
He soon began a grocery store with his brother Ben and continued in business until he retired nearly 50 years later.
In 1986, Ray, Setsu and Mayor Alex Giuliani founded the Funabashi- Hayward Sister City Committee. Ray was also active in the Hayward Lions Club. Until recently, he continued to be active in both. He was also an avid sports fan as well as an outspoken and opinionated individual on any and all subjects. His mind remained sharp and focused until the end.
He is survived by his brother Ben, his sons Tim (Maryann), Glen, Dan (Stephanie), grandsons Brandon, Kevin (Christine), Eric, Ian, Maxwell, and great-grandson Cameron.
“What a life!”
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