San Utsunomiya

San Utsunomiya, age 95, passed away on August 3, 2025, in his beloved townhome in Oak Park, IL.  A celebration of his life will be held in his birthplace of Santa Maria, CA.  The date will be announced in the future.

San was the youngest son of Issei farmers in Santa Maria, CA.  He was born on January 27, 1930.  Life was very hard.  San lost both his father and mother by the age of 7.  His older brother and sisters, only teenagers themselves, took on a variety of jobs to support the family.  WWII struck when he was 12.  Although, native born American citizens, San and his siblings were forcibly relocated and incarcerated to a concentration camp in Gila Bend, AZ. in April 1942.  (Over 120,000 people of Japanese descent, the majority of which were American citizens, were sent to 10 concentration camps by the United States government during WWII).

And despite being wrongfully incarcerated at Gila Bend, AZ, San managed to continue his education and was valedictorian of his concentration camp middle school class. 

San and his siblings were eventually released from the concentration camp in 1944. Despite the rampant racism he faced, when he was 18, he tried to enlist in the United States Navy. Initially, he flunked the physical.  The Navy doctor told him, “The only thing wrong with you is your eyes.”  (Meaning, he was of Japanese descent).  However, after he graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology as an architect, the Navy accepted him.

After he got out of the Navy, he moved back to California butcouldn’t find a job.  So, after a few months, he moved back to Chicago, and joined the prestigious firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. He worked there from 1958 to 1966.

In 1966, he returned to his alma mater, Illinois Institute of Technology, and became a professor of Architecture until he retired in 1994.

San was an avid golfer, who also enjoyed fishing.  He would take yearly road trips to go golfing or fishing with his old pals.

San was preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert and Tom Utsunomiya and his three sisters, Sadie Kubota, Tei Utsunomiya, and Betty Harris.  He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Elaine Kubota, Daniel Kubota, Mary Ann Kubota, Carol Kubota, Wade Utsunomiya, Vicki Harris and Kristi Harris.

San Utsunomiya’s life story is a testament to a remarkable individual who was able to overcome challenging circumstances, follow his passion, build a successful career and contribute to the betterment of students and community despite having experienced historical injustices.  His life underscoresthe resiliency of the type of human spirit which chooses to focus on opportunities and happiness rather than dwelling on the past. His courageous, gentle spirit will be much missed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of San Utsunomiya, please visit our floral store.