SAM H. MATSUMOTO

December 31, 1935 — July 15, 2018

Sam Matsumoto, 82, passed away peacefully on July 15, surrounded by loved ones, following a year of living courageously with lung cancer and COPD.

He was a lifelong resident of Lodi and graduating in 1954 from Lodi High. He farmed strawberries, Tokay grapes, and kiwifruit through the 1980’s. For more than 40 years, Sam worked in the grocery business as a produce manager.

Before his illness, Sam enjoyed golfing, eating out and traveling with his wife, Harriet. He could be seen regularly at McDonald’s enjoying a cup of coffee (or three) with friends. He was an enthusiastic fan of the San Francisco Giants and recently enjoyed an outing to the ballpark with his son. He will be forever remembered for his infectious smile, good natured sense of humor, easy going style, and boundless compassion for others.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Kaneshige and Shizuko; brothers: Ted and Kunio; sister, Hiroko Fujimoto and Grandson, Brandon Matsumoto.

Sam is survived by his wife of 57 years, Harriet; children Rhonda Michele and Jeffrey Matsumoto; grandchildren Jackson Vanover, Gemma Vanover, and Samantha Matsumoto.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on September 8, 2018 at the Buddhist Church of Lodi, followed by a buffet reception. In lieu of flowers, please make any remembrance to the Buddhist Church of Lodi, 23 North Stockton Street, Lodi, CA 95240, PALS (animal shelter). 1405 W. Kettleman Lane, Lodi, CA 95242 or a charity of your choice.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.