CWO3 Harry Tadao Imoto, COAST GUARD (Ret)

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Harry Tadao Imoto, Sr., age 89, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. At the time of passing, he was surrounded by his wife and children at the Brigadier General Wendell H. Gilbert Tennessee State Veterans’ Home in Clarksville. 

Harry began his life in Honolulu, Hawaii on December 18, 1934. He was a smart, sweet, and mischievous young man who during his younger life witnessed the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was a 1952 graduate of Farrington High School in Honolulu and subsequently joined the United States Coast Guard with a group of friends the same year, serving 24 years until he retired in 1976 as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW03). He traveled to numerous continents and crossed the equator which he was awarded the Imperuim Neptvni Regis. Harry served in Combat during the Vietnam War and was awarded many

ribbons during his tenure to include the Combat Action Ribbon. While serving as the Finance Officer for the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) Harry also taught Goju Ryu Karate to Academy Cadets, Officers, Enlisted and their dependents. Upon retirement he opened a Karate School (Dojo) in

Westbrook, CT. and immersed himself in the training of hundreds of students over a 20-year period. The school was later passed onto a student/friend who continued this legacy.

Beyond military service and karate, Harry was also a Mason. He enjoyed his family and numerous friends, playing the ukulele, listening to music, wood working, good conversation, watching movies, and Westerns. He was always the optimist. During the earlier years Harry met and married the love of his life, Joyce in Portland, ME, who in turn traveled with him to many duty stations, eventually settling in Oakdale, CT, and raising their three children. In 2003, Harry and Joyce moved to Clarksville to be close to their son and family. 

Harry is preceded in death by his parents, Bunzo Imoto and Riye Murakami; brother, George Imoto and spouse, Jane; sister, Judith and spouse, Herbert Tokunaga all of Honolulu; and grandson, Brandon Radics of Scottsdale, Arizona. Harry is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joyce Imoto;children: Rosemarie Imoto, Harry (Robin) Imoto, and Lori (Russell) Silva; grandchildren: Paul Radics, Lauren Imoto, Tara Imoto, Erin Jordan, Andrew Silva, and Emily Silva; great grandchildren: Mila Kratzer, Russell Jordan, Grant Jordan, and Hazel Silva; nieces: Janyce Imoto, Sandie Kaneshiro, and Sharon Unebasami; and nephew, Teruyuki (Gerry) Imoto.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of the Tennessee State Veterans’ Home in Clarksville, especially the staff of House 8, as well as AseraCare Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be planned and announced at a later date.

Please visit Harry's tribute wall and share a memory with the family.