Dean Ito

Dean Ito was known for his easygoing personality and slow midwestern drawl. It’s not precisely clear where he picked up his signature speech pattern – he hailed from Utah but spent most of his adult years in Kissimmee, Florida. He was an authentically kind person who was genuinely interested in the people around him. Dean was born to Nizaemon and Hana Ito on October 16, 1934, in Ogden, Utah. His parents were first generation Americans who came by ship to the United States in 1917. He had eight siblings – all but one older than him. He worked on the family farm growing tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and sugar beets. He played football at Wilmington High School in California. His military career started in 1952 when he joined the US Air Force. He served his country through both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Las Vegas (1964), Misawa, Japan (1968), Okinawa, Japan (1970). He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring in 1972. It was at Itazuke Air Force Base, Japan that he met Kazuko whom he married and shared 63 years with. When Dean retired from the military they moved to Kissimmee and bought a house where they lived for 50 years. In Kissimmee Dean started a second career at the United States Postal Service where he worked another 20 years. When retirement came again, Dean engaged in his favorite hobbies of fishing and eating. He really enjoyed fishing, something he picked up during his high school years in California. He also really enjoyed a good meal. During this time Dean and Kazu bought a RV and traveled the open road, stopping to visit the many friends they had made over the years together. In a recent breakfast with one of those friends Dean stole a bite of leftover pancake. “Let me try that I haven’t had one in years!” he quipped. Then, he leaned back in his chair and said with his signature drawl, “Now that’s good chow!” Dean passed away peacefully on March 23, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Grace Nakasone, Miyeko Sumita, Toyoko Tsuchida, Natsuko Yamashita, and brothers Joe, Frank and Sam Ito. He is survived by his wife Kazuko Ito and his sister Akiko Tokita of Boise, Idaho. Dean also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, April 11th 2023 at Osceola Memory Gardens, Kissimmee. The family has asked for donations to be made to a veteran's organization in lieu of flowers.

Dean Ito

October 16, 1934 - March 30, 2023