George Nakamura
November 26, 1919 ~ May 28, 2016
of Springfield, VA, passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at home. Born in Reedly, CA on November 26, 1919, he lived most of his life between Japan (US Military Bases) and Northern VA. At age four, his father sent the family to Japan with the intention of joining them. George and his seven siblings along with his mother returned to the United States in 1929, where they helped work the family farm in Reedly.
In 1939, George attended San Francisco State College studying music. When the war broke out he joined the
Army despite the fact that his family was relocated to internment camps. While in the Army, he was selected for special training at Camp Savage, MN, based on his superior Japanese language skills. In 1943 he was sent to Australia and then to Dutch New Guinea where he served as a translator and interrogator. After the war, George worked for the Department of the Army, stationed in Tokyo. He later transitioned from the military to the Federal Government for the remainder of his professional career.
In 1946, George met his future bride, Sylvia Tanaka, while visiting his brother in Minnesota. They married in January 1947 and moved to Tokyo, where their four daughters were born. In 1966, they returned to the United States, settling in Vienna, VA, where they lived until 2010. George and Sylvia were residents of the Greenspring retirement community in Springfield, VA.
George was a hardworking man who loved his family. He is survived by
his three daughters, Joyce Barnekov of Oak Hill, VA, Patricia Martin of Hamilton, GA, and Linda Nakamura of
Charles Town, WV; his brother, Charlie of Reedly, CA, his sister Michiye Kobayashi of El Cerrito, CA, his
grandson, Garret Martin; two granddaughters, Jenna Martin and Devon Barnekov; and two great-grandchildren, Jolie and Ethan Martin. His wife Sylvia and his daughter Diane Nakamura preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at the Ft. Myer Old Post Chapel, on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
In 1939, George attended San Francisco State College studying music. When the war broke out he joined the
Army despite the fact that his family was relocated to internment camps. While in the Army, he was selected for special training at Camp Savage, MN, based on his superior Japanese language skills. In 1943 he was sent to Australia and then to Dutch New Guinea where he served as a translator and interrogator. After the war, George worked for the Department of the Army, stationed in Tokyo. He later transitioned from the military to the Federal Government for the remainder of his professional career.
In 1946, George met his future bride, Sylvia Tanaka, while visiting his brother in Minnesota. They married in January 1947 and moved to Tokyo, where their four daughters were born. In 1966, they returned to the United States, settling in Vienna, VA, where they lived until 2010. George and Sylvia were residents of the Greenspring retirement community in Springfield, VA.
George was a hardworking man who loved his family. He is survived by
his three daughters, Joyce Barnekov of Oak Hill, VA, Patricia Martin of Hamilton, GA, and Linda Nakamura of
Charles Town, WV; his brother, Charlie of Reedly, CA, his sister Michiye Kobayashi of El Cerrito, CA, his
grandson, Garret Martin; two granddaughters, Jenna Martin and Devon Barnekov; and two great-grandchildren, Jolie and Ethan Martin. His wife Sylvia and his daughter Diane Nakamura preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at the Ft. Myer Old Post Chapel, on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Pat, Jamie and Family, Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We plan to see you on the 19th. Ann and Mike
Joyce,Patty,Linda, So sorry to hear of your loss. Uncle George is remembered in my heart as always making life fun for us kids. What a great person and hilarious guy to be around.Please accept our condolences Leslie,MIke,Rich
Joyce, Pat & Linda, We were so sad when we learned of George’s passing. We met George and Sylvia when we arrived at Greenspring six years ago. They were both dear people, and we loved them both. We will always hold them in our hearts. They will be missed by so many of their friends. And we know you and your family are missing both of them every day. Our love and prayers are with you at this time.
George was a wonderful man and a great inspiration to his colleagues. I always think of him whenever I hear “Old Danny Boy.”
Belated Condolence Entry. Very Sad & Sorry was not able to see George before he passed away Just got info from friend, missed your funeral too! George was my great mentor who helped me get my solid footing at work. Sylvia always thought I was bad influence on George since we drank too much. A great man in a small frame, who epitomized true bushido spirit. He did not take himself seriously, but took his work very seriously. One of the great Japanese Americans to whom the Japanese people owe a great debt. May you rest in peace with Sylvia. Stan.