Melvin Chinen's Obituary
MELVIN (MEL) MINORU CHINEN, 83, passed away on July 12, 2023, in Newark, CA. Mel was born on December 20, 1939. He grew up in Kailua, Hawaii. He graduated from St. Louis High School and the University of Hawaii. He served in the Army and became a Christian during that time.
Mel married Doris Ohta and relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area. His lifelong career was with the IRS, retiring after 35 years as an appeals team case leader.
A dedicated Christian, he co-founded a church and served on the board of Redwood Christian Schools for 23 years. He was active in church, serving as a teacher of children and adults.
Mel was a kind and caring person who greeted everyone with a warm smile.
He cherished 56 years of marriage with his wife, Doris. He enjoyed fishing, basketball, football, reading, and trying new foods from around the world. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife Doris, sons Troy (Milka) and Darren (Camille), grandchildren Charm, Parker, Riley, Amanda, and Lucas, brother Ronald (Marilyn), and sister Cynthia (Joseph) Roberts, He was predeceased by his parents John and Lorraine Chinen, sister Irene White, and grandson Tommy Chinen.
Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Valley of the Temples, 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI. Visitation at 11am, Service at 12 pm
There will also be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at San Lorenzo Japanese Christian Church, 615 Lewelling Blvd, San Leandro, CA. Visitation at 10 am, Service at 11 am.
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