HIROSHI “GEORGE” IWAMIYA
Hiroshi “George” Iwamiya passed away on March 6,2023 at the age of 96.
George was born in Walnut Grove on July 12, 1926 to Teruichi and Teruko Iwamiya. He attended Lodi High school, but school was interrupted by the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. While at the Rohwer Relocation Center, George was inducted into the Army on January 24, 1945 to prove his loyalty to the United States. After his service in the European Theater, he was honorably discharged and returned home to his family in Acampo, CA. After the War, George attended San Joaquin College and earned his AA. George would later settle in Lodi, CA where he met and married Christine Fujioka. He worked two jobs, one for Diebold or Hamilton Safe and the other nurturing his personal vineyard.
During his limited free time, he made every attempt to instill his love of baseball by coaching many children from little league to Babe Ruth. Besides seeing the many local baseball games, George enjoyed day trips to see the Giants play at Candlestick Park. When he could no longer travel to the games, he always knew when there would be a game on TV. George also enjoyed fishing, bowling, and investing.
Since he was interned due to WWII and unable to walk and receive his diploma, a proud moment in his life was receiving his High School Diploma alongside his grandson, Kaz in 2008. He was also proud of his small vineyard and appreciated all the years Gallo supported him.
He is survived by his wife, Christine, children: Joseph, Edward (Trina), Todd, and Liza (Gary) Kanemura; sister, Tosh Nishimoto; brothers Tom (Akemi) & Dick along with eight grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Shig, sisters: Fumi & Haruko, and niece Kelly Yamane.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Cherokee Memorial Park in the Vineyard Chapel.
In lieu of flower donations, please send to a charity of the donor’s choice in George’s name.
Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.