JOE NAKASHIMA – CLASS OF ’42 COLONIST

Joe Nakashima Class of 1942Anaheim Union High School Class of 1942 graduate Joe Nakashima passed away May 23 at age 88. An actor who appeared in movies and TV, including “50 First Dates,” Joe was a regular attendee of the Anaheim Alumni Breakfast and will be greatly missed by his classmates.

Jo proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII, joining after he and his family were detained at a temporary processing center located in the Santa Anita Race Track for approximately five months. His family was then sent off by train to a “War Relocation Center” located in Rohwe, Arkansas.

While in camp, Joe desperately wanted to serve his country and after passing rigorous testing with flying colors, Joe served in the European Theater and was honorably discharged in 1946.

A Gardena resident, Joe also attended Horace Mann Elementary School and Fremont Junior High.

Services will be held June 5, 11 a.m., at Green Hill Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes.