David Masaoka

David Masaoka was on born July 19, 1955 and passed away on May 26, 2026 peacefully surrounded by the laughter, jokes, stories of the crazy family, and the presence of his family whom he loved dearly. His life reflected a quiet strength, deep kindness, a generous heart, and a gentle spirit that touched everyone who knew him. He was the gentle presence that was always there for us.

David was born in Los Angeles and was known early on as the smartest of the Masaoka kids. His academic promise led to placement in an exclusive school in Los Angeles, where he continued to grow intellectually and develop his thoughtful, observant nature. At age 17 he moved to Aspen, Colorado, where he lived with his sister Anne and her husband Richard, and learned ranch life becoming a cowboy with his black horse ‘Outlaw.’

David then moved to New York, where he served at Bethel for three years, the headquarters for the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, working in Bible stitching. During this time, he also enjoyed visiting his uncle Mike in Washington, D.C. on long weekends, always maintaining close family ties. After New York, David moved to El Paso, Texas, where he ran a Rug Doctor franchise. In his later years, David moved to Washington, to be closer to family. There worked in security, then as a 911 dispatcher, and later became an apprentice electrician. David had a love for reading and education so went back to college and was an honor roll student studying for nursing.

Family was central to who he was, and he found great joy in being present in their lives and sharing time with them. He was especially loved being around his nieces and nephews and their children, whom he loved to surprise with unforgettable “souvenirs”—anything from lunchboxes, candy, tweezers, nerf guns, fire starter kits, matches, Swiss army knives, squirt guns, and many other unexpected treasures. David saved every little memento the great nieces and nephews made him. It was so touching to see all he saved while going through his personal effects.

In 2022, David bravely battled and survived cancer. Throughout his treatment, his wit and humor made him a favorite among the staff at the cancer unit, who cherished his lively spirit and the way he brought lightness into difficult moments.

Outside of work and family, David enjoyed reading and cooking. He was a fantastic chef! He loved to cook, but especially loved cooking for others expressing his care and generosity in the meals he prepared and shared.

David is survived by his sister, Anne Richards and her husband Richard Richards, and his brother, Daniel Masaoka and his wife Samantha Masaoka, and sister-in-law Margo Masaoka. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sachi Masaoka; his father, Hank Masaoka; and his brother, Dick Masaoka. He is also lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Jonathan Richards, Brent Richards, Mariko Richards, and Lani Landis (Anne’s children); Cameron Masaoka and Garrett Masaoka (Daniel’s children); and Chris Masaoka, Nick Masaoka, Marisae Barrett, and Lauren Masaoka (Dick’s children). He was deeply loved by all of his great nieces and nephews, who will carry forward his memory with gratitude and affection.

Uncle David will be remembered for his quiet, gentle nature, his lack of conflict, his generosity, his selfless spirit, and the steady kindness he extended to everyone around him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was so tenderhearted and lovingly reassuring everyone “It will be okay, I will be okay” till his last moments. I will forever hold him so dear to my heart as my loving uncle. He was someone I aspire to be like, someone I deeply admire. Knowing him, being loved by him, has made me see how fortunate I was to be on the receiving end of something so rare: unconditional, unwavering love. And I took it for granted. We all do, with the steady people in our lives- the ones who are simply always there.

So here is what Uncle David leaves us with, the lesson written into every visit, every family dinner, every perfectly ridiculous unexpected gift….do not take people you love for granted. Family is everything. Be kind to one another. Love each other through the imperfections and the disagreements. Keep them close, reconnect, because they are the ones that will be holding your hand in your final moments- and no love is more powerful than that. Thank you, Uncle David, for being that person for me. We can all learn so much from a man like you. 

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home Lake View -