Michael Masamichi Nakano's Obituary
Michael Masamichi Nakano, 77, passed away peacefully at home on June 22, 2024, with his loving wife at his side.
Michael was born on March 6, 1947, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He received his bachelor's degree in history, teaching certification, and master's degree in educational administration from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He started his teaching career on Oahu at Honowai Elementary and worked at various schools and for the Leeward District on Oahu as a music resource teacher. He then moved to Maui, where he worked at Princess Nahi'ene'ena Elementary (as founding Principal) and at Maui and Baldwin High Schools. He spent the last fifteen years of his career as Principal of Lahainaluna High School, which he loved dearly. Michael guided the creation of programs that have been incorporated across the state and fostered the formation of foundations at Maui and Lahainaluna High Schools that continue to benefit students. He retired in 2010 after four decades of service to the Department of Education for the State of Hawaii. Education was his passion, and he found joy in connecting with students and took great pride in their growth and achievements. He treasured the lifelong friends he made throughout his career.
Besides education, Michael was passionate about music and serving the Lord. He was a talented pianist and songwriter; his love of Lahainaluna High School will be forever memorialized in a song he wrote, "Ha'aheo O Lahainaluna". He played piano and organ professionally and used his skills to serve the Lord as a music minister in various churches. Highlights of his retirement years were a short-term mission trip to Japan and sharing his home for prayer, worship, and fellowship gatherings. His family finds peace in one of Michael’s favorite verses, 1 Corinthians 2:9. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."
Michael is predeceased by his parents Stanley and Florence Nakano, and brother Vincent Nakano of Honolulu. Michael is survived by his wife Charlotte Nakano, sister Geraldine (Wesley) Wakuzawa of Mililani and family, hanai sister Jill (Scott) Matsumoto and family, and siblings by marriage Ronald (Betty-Lou) Nakamine and family, Patricia (Austin) Imamura and family, and Elizabeth (Stuart) Lopez and family.
In accordance with Michael's wishes, a private service will be held.
Mahalo Nui Loa:
Dr. Patricia Borman
Adelaida (Adolfo) Vicencio
Gilbert (Dina) Benson
Liberty Fresenius - Hawaii Kai Team
Kyle Pressley - Flex-Hard Pro Fitness
Lou's Quality Home Health Care Services
First Assembly of God - East Honolulu Ohana
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