Obituary of Masao Kurisu
November 12, 2020
On Thursday, November 12, 2020, Masao Kurisu passed away at the age of 72 from a heart attack.
Masao was born on August 14, 1948 in Hiroshima, Japan to Nobuo and Chitose (Shirane) Kurisu. He immigrated to the United States in 1958 with his family, settling in Los Angeles, CA. In December 1972, he married Masako Ota, with whom he raised a son, Jason.
Masao was a very accomplished professional, earning a BA from the University of Washington, an MBA from New York University and a Certified Public Accountant license. He worked for several years at Mitsubishi International Corporation before establishing his own accounting and consulting practice in 1979. Through his professionalism, hard work and dedication as well as that of numerous associates over the years, Masao built a successful business practice that continues to this day.
Masao was an ardent golfer, spending many weekends over the years on the links with his golfing buddies. He also loved to fish. Throughout his life, Masao showed determination and grit and was known for his business acumen and for always being true to himself. Despite a hard exterior, Masao was very generous, caring and kind-hearted towards his family, friends and associates.
Masao was preceded in death by his parents and a younger sister, Wendy. He is survived by his ex-spouse Masako, his son Jason and his family, as well as his younger sisters Teruko, Yuriko, and Mikiko and their families.
A private service was held on Thursday, November 19 at Crestwood Funeral Home and Cremation Services in New York City. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.
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Kurisu-san, I'm glad we were able to spend so much time talking and chatting together during your lifetime. As you had always been thought as a quiet, reserved type of person by so many, I was gladly surprised to find out how much you had in your mind and how much you needed to say it (and can). All the beliefs we shared and all the arguments we disagreed will stay with me forever.
We made a good team, didn't we? It's been a fantastic run. And we weren't shy about assuring that to each other verbally from time to time. Thank you for being honest with me and telling everything in your mind when it came to understanding each other. 16 years of working with you has been an incredible chunk of my life that has made who I am now. I hope I was a part of what made who you were at the end.
Hannah and Eugene will remember you in their unique ways from the memories nobody else shared with them, but you. They each have a special place in their heart just for you. I want you to know that.
You were a boss, a business partner, a family and a friend to me. I miss you. We all miss you. I hope you are now in somewhere comfortable and peaceful and finally enjoying the retirement you've always wanted.
Posted by: Natsuko Kawai - Merrick, NY - December 2, 2020