Sunao Honda

Sunao Honda, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home on October 1, 2024, surrounded by love. Born July 9, 1935, in Salinas, California, Sunao lived a life full of joy, hard work, and laughter.

He is survived by his beloved wife, June, with whom he shared nearly 61 wonderful years of marriage, and his daughter Kris (Ryan) , whom he adored. His pride and joy extended to his grandchildren, Dylan, Alex and Aubrie. He is also survived by his sister Haruyo, sisters-in-law Hisako and Yoko (Brit), many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Sunao was predeceased by his beloved son Kent in 2022, whose memory remained close to his heart.

Sunao was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather who treasured time spent with family. A friend to everyone who crossed his path, he had a gift for making people laugh and was an ardent fan of the San Francisco 49ers. A pioneer in his field, Sunao worked as a strawberry farmer for Driscoll Strawberries for over 40 years. Upon retiring, he embraced a slower pace, enjoying simple pleasures like sleeping in, trips to the casino, church activities, and savoring ice cream. One of his greatest joys was attending his grandchildren's sporting events, where he could cheer them on with pride and enthusiasm.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Veterans Affairs team in Marina for their many years of care and support. A special thank you to Santa Cruz Hospice for the exceptional comfort and compassion provided during Sunao's final weeks. The family's gratitude knows no bounds for their friends and family who offered their love, support, and friendship throughout the years. Sunao's warmth, humor, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. There will be no services proceeding.

Published in The Pajaronian · October 4, 2024