George Mazumi

Taoka

George Mazumi Taoka of Toledo, Ohio, passed away on September 20, 2013. He was born in Watsonville, California on April 20, 1916 to Yukino Koda and Takaji Taoka. George received his Master's degree from Stanford University and his Ph.D. degree on March 30, 1955 from Columbia University. He was a professor at the University of Toledo for over forty years and this position gave him great satisfaction. He was elected to and also served as advisor and Deputy District Councilor of the East Central District of Alpha Kappa Psi. He served on the Faculty Senate upon its formation and was elected Chairman of the Conference Committee. George was also an officer of Phi Kappa Phi (national honor society) and was elected to Beta Gamma Sigma and Pi Gamma Mu (honor societies). He was recognized many times and on many occasions for his teaching services, and in 1964 was selected as Outstanding Teacher for the University of Toledo when the award was first started.
On March 22, 1942, George married his Stanford University sweetheart, Matsuye Takeshita and they raised their children in Toledo. After Matsuye passed away in 1979, he married Jane Johanson. He served with the US Army and retired as a Major. He was a seasoned world traveler and wrote a text book on International Business that was published by Harper-Collins in 1992.
He is survived by his children Garret Taoka and wife Betzi Taoka of New Hampshire, L. Mari Taoka and husband John Russell of Ohio and Grandchildren Loring Taoka, Aubrey Taoka, Lizza Taoka, and Bernadette Dieso.
A memorial will be held at the Christ Presbyterian Church on September 29th at 3:00pm. The family requests making any memorial tributes to the University of Toledo, College of Business or the Christ Presbyterian church on Talmadge Rd.