In Memory of Curtis Alan Martin
Spouse: Sanae Martin
Children: Audrey
DOB: August 6, 1956
Blessing Date: July 1, 1982
Ascension: April 1, 2025
Seonghwa Ceremony: April 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM MST at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257
Reception: Reception to follow at the AZ Family Church, 1715 S El Camino Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281. Guests are encouraged to wear white or light-colored clothing, though darker suits or suit jackets are acceptable.
Send Flowers: Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery the morning of April 19. AZ Floral Exchange is recommended via AzSympathy.com or by calling 480-289-3903
Donations: Donations to your public library would be a special way to honor Curtis
Curtis Alan Martin was born in Sacramento, CA on August 6, 1956 as the second of three children to Harry Martin and Betty Jo Immel. He spent much of his childhood in Denver, CO with his older sister Ann, and younger brother Glen. There were many happy years growing up with cousins from the Immel, Wilson, and Raab families. The family later moved to the Bay Area where he finished high school.
Curtis joined the Unification Church movement in 1974 at 18 years old in Oakland, CA and was Blessed in marriage to Sanae Martin (Yamamoto) on July 1, 1982 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Their daughter, Audrey, was born in 1989.
In 1991, he and his family moved to Los Angeles where he and his wife became pillars of the Los Angeles Family Church community. Curtis was passionate about studying and teaching the scripture and Divine Principle. He and his wife invested deeply in their local community, hosting many gatherings and small group meetings. They never hesitated to host friends, family and missionaries in their home. Curtis was a co-pastor for the Los Angeles Family Church for many years and believed deeply in the power of prayer and meditation.
Curtis worked as a bookkeeper for the church for 9 years and was an accountant for credit unions for 24 years, eventually becoming an accounting manager and CFO. He was passionate about banking with credit unions and the personalized service they provide to their members. He retired in 2015.
Curtis was a lifelong reader, reading broadly and constantly. Some of his favorite books included The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley, and Joan of Arc by Mark Twain. He and his wife volunteered with the Literacy Council in Los Angeles for several years, mentoring adults with English as a second language.
After 30 years in Los Angeles, Curtis and Sanae moved to Flagstaff, AZ shortly after the birth of their first grandchild, James. They became full-time caretakers for James, and later for their granddaughter Emiko (Emi), until James and Emi started preschool. They spent those precious years reading, playing, and gardening together.
One of Curtis’s favorite pastimes was making people laugh. He was always cracking jokes, making funny faces, and sneaking bunny ears in photos. Everywhere he went he built a reputation for being funny and kind.
In February 2025, he was diagnosed with stage 4 gastroesophageal junction cancer. He died peacefully on April 1st in the presence of his wife and daughter. He had a fighting spirit to the very end. He is survived by his wife, Sanae, his daughter, Audrey, his grandchildren, James and Emiko, and his siblings, Ann and Glen. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be greatly missed.
In Memory of Sam Fish
Spouse: Naoko Fish
Children: Ariella, Nathaniel, Raphael, Daniel, Michelle
DOB: October 3, 1950
Blessing Date: July 1, 1982
Ascension: March 24, 2025
Seonghwa Ceremony: April 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM PST, Seattle Family Church, 7000 26th Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98117
Zoom link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/251525455
Password: 2020
Wonjeon (burial): April 4, 2025 at 2:30pm PST, Holyrood Cemetery, 205 N 205th St, Shoreline, WA 98155
Send flowers to: Seattle Family Church, 7000 26th Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98117 (morning delivery of 9AM on Friday April 4, 2025)
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/16b2039f
Sam was born on October 3rd, 1950 in the Bronx, New York, the first of two sons born to Harry and Eva Fish. He was a first-generation American born to Jewish parents who immigrated from Poland.
After spending his earliest years in New York City, his parents relocated to rural New Jersey to become chicken farmers. His parents felt it was important for their son to have a “good Jewish education,” so Sam spent his school years living with his maternal aunt and uncle in Brooklyn, attending Yeshiva school with his cousins from the age of five. Summers were spent on his parents’ farm, where he and his cousins (who were more like siblings than cousins) shared many happy memories exploring the countryside.
From an early age, Sam had a passion for math and science. When his religious high school didn’t teach certain subjects needed for admission into the college program of his choice, he found a way to fulfill the prerequisites by teaching himself subjects such as physics and calculus. He graduated from high school in 1968 and, inspired by the Apollo program, went on to study electrical engineering at the City College of New York. After graduating, and a brief stint living on a kibbutz in Israel, Sam began his professional career as a hardware design engineer working on satellite communication systems for a company in Boston. After several years in Boston, Sam moved to Indiana to pursue his master’s in electrical engineering at Purdue University.
When he was a semester away from completing his master’s degree, Sam felt a sudden call to take a solo cross-country road trip to California. He dropped everything, packed his life into his car, and hit the road. As he recalled, he’d been in San Francisco for only a day or two when he met Dr. Donald Mull in a meeting that would change the course of his life. He joined the Unification Church in 1977 and stayed on the West Coast.
While in California, he took teaching appointments first on the faculty of Heald Engineering College, and later at the City College of San Francisco. He did later return to Purdue University to complete the final semester of his master’s program in 1984 (nearly 10 years after starting his program), after several prompts by his professor who wondered where he had gone.
Sam was Blessed in marriage to his wife Naoko on July 1, 1982, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Sam and Naoko moved to Seattle in 1988 to start their family - a place they would call home for the remainder of his life. He was a dedicated member of the local Seattle Family Church community for nearly 40 years and contributed to his community in the best way he knew how: through tutoring math. He spent many years as a Math Olympiad coach, preparing teams of young BCs to compete in math competitions across Washington State. In addition to coaching teams of young people, he tutored several students individually or in small groups, spending many hours preparing lesson plans for advanced calculus and trigonometry.
Fascinated by computers and programming language, Sam worked on computer systems and applications for many years for the Shining Ocean Seafood Company in Seattle. Later, he worked as a software developer for the state of Washington. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family in Seattle and visiting his children in California and England.
Sam passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife and children on March 24, 2025, following an unexpected month-long stay in the hospital.
Sam is survived by his wife Naoko and his five children: Ariella (Robin), Nathaniel, Raphael (Koka), Daniel and Michelle, granddaughter Emma, and younger brother Abe. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing.
In Memory of Adeline Winter Triggol
Adeline Winter Triggol
Parents: Jill and Nathan Triggol
DOB: January 3, 2025
Ascension: March 10, 2025
Visitation: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 3:00-4:00pm ET, Indiana Funeral Care - Indianapolis Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46250
Celebration of Life: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 4:00-5:00pm ET, Indiana Funeral Care
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/2e2f44af
Send flowers: https://store.condolences.com/indiana-funeral-care/12cccc93-2cb3-438a-aad9-1b6106d0d47d/flowers
Order a memorial tree: https://store.condolences.com/indiana-funeral-care/12cccc93-2cb3-438a-aad9-1b6106d0d47d/trees
Adeline Winter Triggol, born to Jill and Nathan Triggol on January 3, 2025, graced this world with her presence for a brief but profoundly meaningful time. She passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on March 10, 2025.
Although her time with us was heartbreakingly short, Adeline left an indelible mark on her family, whose hearts she touched with her presence. Known for her sweet demeanor, Adeline always showed her affection through cuddling and wanting to be as close to mom and dad as possible. She was a known squirmer, and was always content getting out of the house on an adventure.
Nathan and Jill’s last days with Adeline were filled with so much love. As a family they went to the zoo and Holliday Park. Jill nursed her in the bird watching room and felt so much peace and content with her in her arms.
Adeline is survived by her loving parents, Jill and Nathan Triggol, her older sister, Serena, her grandparents Jan Wood, Steve and Linda Young, John and Jeanette Triggol, and Kathleen Novotny, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Adeline was preceded in death by her grandmother, Linda Triggol, grandfather, David Novotny, and her aunts, Mikhail Wood and Alicia Young, great uncle Robert Wood, and great aunts Laura and Sherry.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a GoFundMe page set up for the Triggol family: https://gofund.me/2e2f44af
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Adeline Winter Triggol, please visit our flower store.
In Memory of Ambrose Kahnke
Ambrose Lee Kahnke
Children: Jon
DOB: October 23, 1956
Ascension: March 7, 2025
Seonghwa Ceremony: Saturday, March 15, 4 PM CST at Minnesota Family Church, 3836 NE Stinson Blvd, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/508018905?pwd=TzNkUCtEOFdxZEVrK2oyditpZ1Rydz09
Passcode: 2020
Ambrose was born on October 23, 1956, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota to Ambrose Delnor Kahnke and Patricia Richardson. Ambrose had three siblings: Sherry, Jon, and Carrie. He is survived by his son, Jon Martin Kahnke.
Ambrose graduated from Redwood Valley Senior High School in 1974. He went on to complete one semester of tertiary education at the University of Minnesota.
Ambrose enjoyed tinkering with electronics and was an avid recycler. He was passionate about the truth of everything which is why he liked religion so much and became a Unificationist.
Ambrose was a dedicated Morning Devotion attendee. He looked forward to early morning Zoom readings and the sharing of True Parents’ words with fellow brothers and sisters from around the country.
As a proud Unificationist, he was candid and caring and routinely shared his faith and depth of knowledge with his 3.5k Facebook followers.
As Ambrose begins his spiritual journey to the eternal homeland with our Heavenly Parent, he will be uplifted and accompanied with abundant prayers and remembrances of his life of love and service by his friends and family of the Minnesota Holy Community.
In Memory of Peter Hyo Yul Kim
Peter Hyo Yul Kim
Spouse: Phyllis Kim
Children: Yun Shim
DOB: February 4, 1947
Blessing Date: October 21, 1970
Ascension: December 22, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: Friday, March 14, 2025 at 6:30pm EST, Belvedere Estate, 723 South Broadway Tarrytown, NY 10591
Send flowers: Belvedere Estate, 723 South Broadway Tarrytown, NY 10591
YouTube live stream: https://youtube.com/live/FIk1SPLEacA
YouTube backup link: https://www.youtube.com/belvederefamily/live
For more info: Mrs. Phyllis Kim (914) 527-3959, Pastor Daryl M. Clarke (917) 574-5823
Dr. Peter Kim was born in 1947 in Jangheung, South Jeolla Province, Republic of Korea. He joined Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) in 1965 and began his life as a public leader, first in the field of pastoral work, then in the FFWPU HQ Department of Culture. In 1970, Dr. Kim was blessed with Mrs. Phyllis Yamato during the 777 Couples Blessing Ceremony officiated by Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. Dr. Kim received a doctorate of philosophy, honoris causa, from Sun Moon University.
Dr. Kim joined the True Family in 1970 as special instructor to the True Children, where he tutored Hyo-jin nim and Heung-jin nim. After relocating to the United States in 1974, he gradually assumed greater responsibilities as True Parents' personal assistant. From 1990 onward, Dr. Kim served as True Parents' official English interpreter during their numerous world speaking tours.
Dr. Kim with True Parents
In particular, Dr. Kim attended the 1990 World Summit held in Moscow as well as the summit meeting in 1991 between True Father and Premier Kim Il Sung in North Korea. In 2001, Dr. Kim interpreted for True Parents during their 50-state speaking tour in the United States. From 1994, Dr. Kim also served in various executive positions:
CEO of the New Yorker Hotel, president of the US Association of Korean FFWPU Missionaries, chairman of the Pacific Rim Educational Foundation in Hawaii, and vice chairman of the Hyojeong Global Unification Foundation. Dr. Kim also translated into Korean the book Life in the World Unseen (published in 1990 by Mirae Publishing House).
In Memory of Jonathan Wells
Jonathan Wells
Spouse: Lucy Wells
Children: Josie, Peter
DOB: September 19, 1942
Blessing Date: July 1, 1982
Ascension: September 19, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 2:00pm at Seattle Family Church, 7000 26th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117
Zoom link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/251525455
Password: 2020
Dr. Jonathan Wells was a member of the Unification Church from 1974 and was blessed in 1982. Thanks to Rev. Moon, after graduating from the Unification Seminary, Jonathan earned two PhDs. His first was Christian Theology from Yale University and his second was in Developmental Biology from UC Berkeley. Following this, he became a well-known critic of Darwinism when in 2000 he published the book Icons of Evolution, which basically exposed the dishonest “evidence” for Darwinism in high school and college textbooks.
Rev. Moon inspired Jonathan both through his Divine Principle theology and his vision for America. Specifically, he often spoke about how America is blessed by God not just for itself but to serve the world as an example of freedom.
Jonathan is survived by his wife Lucy Wells, his daughter Dr. Josie Olsen, her husband Lincoln, their three boys, Ethan, Mateo and Bodhi and his son Peter Wells. We miss him terribly but know his legacy against materialism will live on.
In Memory of Etsuo Ishida
Etsuo Ishida
Spouse: Mihoko Ishida
Children: Kana, Yuri
DOB: September 21, 1950
Blessing Date: October 14, 1982
Ascension: February 28, 2025
Seonghwa Ceremony: Friday, March 7, 2025 at 11:00AM EST at The Washington Times Arbor Ballroom, 3600 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/618147675
Passcode: 2027
Wonjeon (burial): 2pm EST at Fort Lincoln Cemetery 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722
Etsuo Ishida was born on September 21, 1950, in Shizuoka, Japan as the second of three sons to Satoru and Omiko Ishida. From a young age into adulthood, he was an avid baseball player.
He studied optics, which is the branch of physics that studies the behavior and properties of light at Tokai University in Tokyo, Japan and graduated in 1972. After graduation, he worked at Toyo Shigyo printing company in Osaka, Japan where he later became a manager. While at Toyo Shigyo, he was witnessed to by his spiritual mother, Katsuko Toyota, in 1974. He started attending the Mindan church in Osaka and later became a full-time member of the Unification Church in Tokyo when he was 24 years old. There he was involved in the Shokyo Rengo group for seven years, a political organization that opposed communism and advocated for “liberation from communism.”
Etsuo and his wife, Mihoko, are one of the 6000 couples who attended the Holy Marriage Blessing on October 14, 1982 in Seoul, Korea. At the age of 36 he was called by Masayoshi Kajikuri to go to the United States and work at The Washington Times. He came to the United States in 1986 and worked at the World & I Magazine which later became Times Color Graphics until 2006. He then worked at True World Foods as a delivery driver and then at Kirov Ballet school as a facilities staff member.
Ishida family
He remained an active and devoted member of the church and traveled around the world, including to Israel with Pastor Michael Dada of Deeper Life Bible Church, traveled to Cheongpyeong multiple times, and to the Bahamas for an ACLC conference. Etsuo was a long-time evangelist, Japanese community leader, and ACLC outreach activist.
Throughout his working life, he also raised and sold bonsai in various markets, including in Washington, DC at the National Cherry Blossom Festival and Eastern Market in DC. His hobbies included tennis, fishing, and tending to his various fruit trees.
Etsuo and Mihoko are an honored CheonBo Couple (2020).
Etsuo Ishida passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Kensington, MD on Friday morning, February 28, 2025 at the age of 74. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mihoko, their two daughters, Kana and Yuri, first grandson Teddy, and second grandson due to be born in July 2025.
In Memory of Carlton L. Johnson
Carlton L. Johnson
Spouse: Mihoko Johnson
Children: Tad, Jason, Tai
DOB: Feb 11, 1957
Blessing Date: July 1, 1982
Ascension: February 4, 2025
Seonghwa Ceremony: February 15, 2025 at 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Location of All Services are at: Manning Funeral Home 700 N 25th St., Richmond, VA 23223
Public Viewing: February 15, 2025 at 11- 2PM
Extended Family Funeral Service: February 15, 2025 at 2PM
Memorial Site:
https://rememberingcarlton.wixsite.com/memorial
Carlton Leon Johnson was an extraordinary, providential, and unique member of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, embodying in himself, and in his family the unity of races, of religions, and of nations all centered on God, to which he totally dedicated his life. He loved, served, taught, emailed, texted, prayed and shared his heart, his eclectic love for music, and his deep knowledge of spiritual wisdom from great teachers of all religions. He invested himself into his friends, colleagues, and contacts of all races and backgrounds, young and old, with the same unwavering passion. Throughout his life he would pour himself into his work late into the night, and then catch a few hours of sleep in his chair, perhaps not unlike True Father.
Carlton was born to Robert Lee and Doris Johnson, the second of their five sons. They grew up in Richmond, VA, in a large extended family that was part of the Chickahominy Baptist Association, where their father serves as a deacon. His ancestry includes African, White, and First Nations.
Carlton was an anthropology student at Harvard University when he met Laurence Baer in Oakland, CA and joined our movement on April 19, 1979. However, prior to that meeting, he had encountered someone in a vivid dream, and when he met Joe Taylor, he immediately recognized Joe from that dream. Carlton and Joe became close lifelong friends.
Carlton and Mihoko Demizu were introduced and matched together in 1982 and participated in the 2075 Couples Blessing at Madison Square Gardens. Mihoko had joined the movement on Feb 11, 1976, which was Carlton’s 19th birthday.
Carlton and Mihoko matching 1982
Shortly after joining, Carlton worked for six years on MFT and then returned to Harvard to complete his Anthropology degree. He continued on after graduation working with CARP at Harvard. The couple started their family life in 1989 and Mihoko gave birth to four sons. Tad was born in 1990. In 1991 Carlton traveled as a pioneer missionary to Myanmar for six months. After that the Johnsons moved to Japan for five years. There, Jason was born in 1992.
In 1993, their third son Stephen was born, whom they offered to Rev. Esteban and Lorna Galvan. Their families have remained very close ever since. In 1996 their fourth son Tai was also born in Japan.
Carlton tried for more than five years to establish a Nu Skin business in Japan, but it proved difficult given the cultural and language differences. In 1997 they moved to Korea, and after tutoring English privately for a while, Carlton was hired as an English Teacher at the prestigious Korean Minjok Leadership Academy. In 2006 he joined the staff teaching English at the Cheongshim International Academy at Cheong Pyeong. In addition to teaching, he advised the students on their strategies and applications for attending University in America. He also loved music and enjoyed performing with students there. Remarkably, Carlton and Mihoko and their three children all became fluent in Korean, Japanese, and English.
In 2010, the family returned to Richmond where they organized regular monthly community pot luck spiritual fellowship dinners in their garage, which they converted into a meeting room. In these gatherings there was always an eclectic aray of music and peace-building ideas shared by all. In addition, Carlton hosted annual dinners at a local buffet restaurant for his very large extended family representing a number of churches in the area. During this time, Carlton commuted between Richmond and Korea where he spent most of his time still teaching.
(Left to right) Esteban, Carlton, Lorna, Jimmy Galvan, Jason, Stephen, Tad
Carlton would regularly send long letters to his sons, encouraging them to address their questions in prayer and asking them about the answers they received from Heavenly Parent. Throughout his own life, he had enjoyed an ongoing dialogue with God and had diligently obeyed God’s guidance. In fact, it was that very integrity and obedience which kept him in the Movement in 1979, when he felt strongly compelled to return to Harvard and to his fiancée at that time. It was something of a painful shock to Carlton when he learned that only a very tiny fraction of our members (he concluded 1%) were actually able to “hear God’s voice” as he did. He felt that it was his challenge, while still on Earth, to raise that number to 10%. Heavenly Parent gave Carlton a remarkable and challenging path to pursue this goal.
Carlton was massaging the feet of one of his teaching colleagues in Korea, who was suffering from cancer, and whose feet therefore had a very strong odor. He prayed for the ability to love that odor, and his heart opened up. When he reported this to God, Heavenly Parent replied, yes, “I love it 1000 times more than you do”. This was the launch of one of the most unusual, and one of the most holy ministries in our Movement. Heavenly Parent opened Carlton’s spiritual sense of smell, and instructed him to approach each of his contacts and request a pair of their stinky socks. Through those socks, Carlton was able to connect deeply in heart and spirit with their ancestors, both on their mothers’ and fathers’ sides. For each donor, he would experience a deep connection of love with their ancestry, which he would offer up to God in prayer. It became an incredibly personal and intimate experience between Carlton and Heavenly Parent.
He finally returned permanently to America in 2017, after 20 years of teaching in Korea. Carlton then made a condition to visit the ancestral homes of his contacts in twelve countries, and asked God to guide him. He did this completely on faith, without any income at the time. One of the countries that this ministry took him to was Japan. It was not at all clear to him what he was supposed to do there, but he went in absolute obedience to God’s voice. While in Japan, he became extremely ill and was hospitalized. It was determined that he had a very rare disorder which created huge blood clots in both lungs and which, if left untreated, would surely be fatal. Remarkably, in Japan, that disorder was included on a short list of medical issues selected for research. Even though he was not a Japanese citizen, and even though he had no insurance and no funds, the hospital performed two sixteen-hour surgeries, one on each lung. Normally this would have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but for research all treatment was provided to Carlton at no cost.
Carlton family circa 2023
Carlton recovered fully, returned to America and taught at the Kirov Academy, and at New Hope Academy. He would regularly drive up from Richmond, not knowing where he would sleep. His network of sock donors continued to grow, and he became more and more involved in trying to bring harmony and reconciliation between races and groups within our Movement. Although he and Mihoko extended the Blessing of Marriages to members of his tribe, Carlton felt that he could not fully pursue registering as a Cheon Bo tribe while our Movement was still struggling internally with disunity. As a solution, he devoted himself to addressing this problem through his ministry. He was particularly involved in trying to bring healing and reconciliation between members of the African American community and our leadership. Moreover, indirectly, this had impact on First Nations since many of our African American brothers and sisters, like Carlton, also had some First Nations ancestry. He also spoke passionately about the need for reconciliation between conservative and liberal political persuasions.
In recent years, Carlton began working as a substitute teacher in the Chickahominy Nation School System, where he was beginning to explore his own First Nations roots more deeply. Had he taken life a little easier, had he invested more attention to his own health, surely, he could have lived longer. Sadly, he contracted a chest infection, stopped eating, and died quite suddenly.
The day before his death, Carlton had what seemed like a normal phone conversation with Joe Taylor. Joe was shocked to hear that Carlton had transitioned. The following day Carlton came to Joe to say that he was fine, “but going through a process of adjusting to his new circumstances.” He will be deeply missed by so many.
Carlton is survived by his Father, Robert Lee Johnson; by his brothers Anthony, Wayne, and Danard; by his wife Mihoko, and by his three sons and two daughters-in-law; Tad and Takako; Jason, and Tai and Danielle, and by his three grandchildren Akash (7), Mone (5) and Surya (3) all born to Tad and Takako. He was predeceased by his mother, Doris Johnson, and his brother, Keith Johnson.
Support Carlton's family Here: https://gofund.me/32fcc02e
Funeral Home Obituary Site: https://www.manningfh.com/obituary/carlton-johnson
In Memory of John Rodney Scanlan
John Rodney Scanlan
Spouse: Mitsuyo Scanlan
Children: Casey, Sean, Hogan
DOB: August 21, 1958
Blessing Date: August 25, 1992
Ascension: January 24, 2025
Seonghwa Ceremony: January 30, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Indianapolis Family Church, 6202 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268, followed by the Wonjeon Ceremony at Carmel Cemetery
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82046856571
GoFundMe:
https://gofund.me/7df6d987
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made through GoFundMe link below to support his family during this difficult time.
John Rodney Scanlan passed away peacefully on Friday, January 24th, 2025 at the age of 66 at Community Hospital East in Indianapolis, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born in Champaign, IL, on August 21st, 1958, John was the son of Robert H. Scanlan and Joanne (Emmerth) Scanlan. He grew up in Iowa and, in 1983, joined the Unification Movement in Des Moines, IA, where he became an integral part of the community.
In 1992, John was blessed with Mitsuyo Arata in the historic 30,000 couples blessing ceremony. Together, they built a life full of love, joy, and family. John was also deeply affected by the loss of his beloved daughter, Alina, who passed away in May 2022. Her memory remained close to his heart, and he often spoke of her with love and fondness.
John's career as an automotive technician spanned many years, with his expertise and passion for cars leading him to work at several well-known shops, including Tire America, Firestone, CarX, and Belle Tire. He had a remarkable ability to fix things and found joy in helping others with his mechanical skills.
Outside of work, John had many interests that brought him great happiness. He loved cars and motorcycles, enjoyed college football, and had a deep affection for animals—whether it was his beloved birds, cats, or dogs. He also had a special bond with children and was known for his playful spirit and affection for them. Gardening was another of his passions, where he found peace and contentment tending to his plants.
John is survived by his loving wife, Mitsuyo; their three sons, Casey, Sean, and Hogan; and his granddaughters, Yaneli Minami and Ana Maria. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Seonghwa Ceremony will be held at the Indianapolis Family Church, located at 6202 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 30th, 2025 followed by the Wonjeon Ceremony at Carmel Cemetery.
Those who cannot join in person may join by zoom using the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82046856571
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made through GoFundMe link below to support his family during this difficult time.
John’s warm heart, generosity, and steadfast presence will be forever remembered by all who loved him.
In Memory of Werner Gottfried Seubert
Werner Gottfried Seubert
Spouse: Debra Seubert
Children: Diana, Erik, Lauren, Anya
DOB: July 10, 1950
Blessing Date: July 1, 1982
Ascension: January 17, 2025
Seonghwa Ceremony: Monday, January 27, 12:30 PM EST at
Fort Lincoln Funeral Home & Cemetery 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722
Viewing: 12:00 pm
Born on July 10, 1950, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, Werner Gottfried Seubert entered the world as the cherished eldest son of Walter and Lia Seubert. Alongside his younger brother, Reiner, Werner grew up in a devout Roman Catholic household where Sunday Mass was a cornerstone of family life. His faith blossomed early, inspiring him to become a youth leader in his teens and later as a young adult.
A seeker of truth and justice, Werner’s youthful passion for improving the world led him to explore left-wing politics while steadfastly maintaining his involvement in Catholic youth activities. In his own words, he sought to create “communism, but with God,” a vision of harmony and unity guided by divine love.
Werner’s spiritual journey took a profound turn in the summer of 1970 when a coworker introduced him to the Unification Movement. Studying the Divine Principle at the Frankfurt church center illuminated questions that had long occupied his heart—questions about the origin of evil and the patterns of history that reveal God’s hand guiding humanity toward His ideal.
Eager to share these newfound truths, Werner began witnessing with fervor, inspiring others to explore the Divine Principle. Remarkably, his first spiritual son moved into the center before Werner himself did. During his work-study program, Werner devoted his evenings and weekends to supporting church centers in Essen, Heidelberg, and Frankfurt, serving as both a witness and a Divine Principle teacher. Later he joined the One World Crusade led by Paul Werner in Germany and Austria.
Joining this mission, Werner felt an exhilaration that transcended words. He saw himself as part of the grand renewal of all things, a participant in God’s unfolding providence. In 1973, Werner eagerly answered the call to move to America and support the Day of Hope rallies, a movement that reverberated around the globe and made the names of the True Parents known far and wide. In May 1973-74, he served as the State Leader of Wisconsin.
As God’s providence extended to all aspects of life, Werner embraced the opportunity to join The News World, a New York newspaper in 1976, while also dedicating his time to do Home Church activities in Harlem.
In 1982, Werner’s life was blessed when he married Debra Kreuz, a compassionate and dedicated registered nurse. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising four children: son Erik and daughters Diana, Lauren, and Anya. As a dad, Werner loved taking family outings to the mountains, hiking local parks and regaling his children with elaborately constructed puns and dad jokes; the cornier, the better. Werner’s love for his family grew even deeper as he welcomed nine beloved grandchildren (Liam, Archer, Quinn, Evie, Finley, Ellie, Jensen, Kora and Heath), with whom he enjoyed many happy family vacations, weekends and holidays. Werner found immense joy in watching his grandchildren grow, particularly admiring their talents on the soccer field.
Werner’s professional journey reflected his commitment to excellence and service. While raising four children in the early nineties, he dedicated time to support missions and teach Divine Principle in Venezuela and Russia. He brought his business acumen to roles at The Washington Times, as CFO at Atlantic Video and Times Aviation, and later, to a fulfilling chapter as the pastor of the Northern Virginia Family Church. Leading a spiritual community became the crowning joy of his life. In 2020, Werner and Debbie, as a Blessed Central Family, were registered as a CheonBo couple for the sake of their Heavenly legacy and future generations.
Even as health challenges arose, Werner’s faith and resilience shone brightly. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011, he faced the journey with courage, keeping the illness at bay for over a decade. Throughout, he continued to serve, generously volunteering his time and money to support those in need —most recently helping to rebuild an orphanage in Uganda for children who had lost their parents during the covid pandemic. In the summer of 2024, as his cancer progressed to stage 4, Werner embraced the love and support of his large church family, as well as that of his extended family across the country and overseas in Germany. He was buoyed by their visits and prayers, while Debbie’s devotion and care brought light and comfort to his final days.
Werner’s life is a testament to unwavering faith, boundless love, and tireless service. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched and in the enduring love of his family. Werner passed into the spirit world on January 17, 2025, at 2:40 am at their home in Annandale, Virginia; his cherished wife of 42 years at his side.
In Memory of Lewis Gudmundsen
Lewis Gudmundsen
Spouse: Hildegard Eisenhut
Children: Sigfried
DOB: December 16, 1948
Blessing Date: January 6, 1982
Ascension: January 9, 2025
Seonghwa Ceremony: New Jersey Family Church (78 DeMott Ave. Clifton, NJ 07011) on Monday, January 13
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/d1a4670a
Lewis Gudmundsen was born on December 16, 1948, in Mobile, Alabama as the last child – born 16 years after his elder siblings.
When Lewis was 13 years old, his father suddenly passed away in front of his eyes on December 24, 1961. Lewis was unable to understand why God would take his beloved dad on the day before Christmas. This experience strongly affected his faith in God’s love for him.
After his father was gone, Lewis and his mother moved to Los Angeles, California. At the age of 18, he moved to San Francisco to study at the University of San Francisco, graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree.
In 1974, Lewis met and joined the Unification Church in Oakland, California. Soon thereafter he was recruited for the MFT (Mobil Fundraising Team), where he brought amazing results. He attended the Unification Theological Seminary as part of the second graduating class 1976 -1978.
In 1978 Lewis accepted a Home Church mission in England where he became Center Leader in Bristol. In that same year, he was invited to participate in the European Matching in London and was matched with Hildegard Eisenhut, an Austrian Church member.
When he returned to the US to attend the funerals of his older sister and brother, he worked in Accounting at ILHWA Korean Ginseng Tea Company and International Relief Friendship Foundation (IRFF). Then, after helping at the News World for a brief period, he joined Ocean Church and became Center Leader in Montauk, Long Island, NY.
In 1982, while working at Sunlight Graphics, Lewis and his fiancée Hildegard Eisenhut received the marriage blessing, as part of the 2075 couple Blessing at Madison Square Garden. Then, together they worked with a Home Church team in Woodside, Queens, and later moved to West New York, NJ. He was also employed at New World Marine from 2003 to 2004.
Lewis loved to research True Parents’ words and record his findings in articles that he wrote and gave to people he thought would benefit from the information. He would witness to people he met in places like shopping centers and restaurants, or when driving for Lift or Uber.
At the age of 65, though he had very little income, he and Hildegard gratefully accepted an offering child. They were determined to establish God’s Four Position Foundation, and they were both longing to receive a child. He was a dedicated father and took good care of Sigfried, who became his pride and joy.
Lewis suddenly passed away on January 9, 2025, at 2:30 am. He was a faithful Son of God and True Parents, a good husband and loving father.
In Memory of Dario Pisano
Dario Pisano
Spouse: Keiko Pisano
Children: Manae, Amy, Sunny, Esther
DOB: August 27, 1955
Blessing Date: January 6, 1982
Ascension: January 10, 2025
Seonghwa Ceremony: Saturday, Jan 18 at 11 AM PST at 10007 NE 108th Ave. Vancouver, WA 98662
Dario Pisano was the 5th of 7 children born to Roman Catholic parents in Sardinia, Italy in 1955. He had an active and happy childhood in the Italian countryside, but by early adulthood became a self-proclaimed Communist Atheist, having experienced a harsh education and military training.
He was witnessed to in 1977 at the age of 22. Having felt there was something special about this group, he joined the Unification Movement after experiencing a unique spiritual incident that left him assured of God's existence.
After witnessing & fundraising throughout Italy & England, he volunteered to relocate to America to participate in 7+ years of MFT. He eventually became a state leader for Washington (Yakima). Dario loved his homeland and would return throughout the years to visit, but he ultimately considered Washington his home.
In 1982, Dario was picture-matched to Keiko Okada (of Japan) alongside 2,075 other couples at Madison Square Garden in New York City, USA.
Dario and Keiko raised their four daughters (Manae, Amy, Sunny, and Esther) in the Vancouver, Washington area, attending the Portland Family Church in West Linn, Oregon for 40+ years.
He worked for 24 years at Wacom Technology to support his family, and was an active volunteer in both faith & secular communities. He volunteered for many years at Camp Tongil and PNW Winter Workshops, where you would find him running errands, cooking alongside his wife, and encouraging kids in the lunch line to "Take what you want, but eat what you take!".
Dario was passionate about food and always said "Food is God's Love," and usually followed that line with a few dance steps. This passion would lead him to creating a food distribution chain that took local surplus groceries and gave them to families, shelters, and nonprofits. He always made sure that guests in his home had a full belly and leftovers by the time they'd leave.
Many may have known him directly, or as “the loud Italian dad” of Manae, Amy, Sunny, and Esther. He was many things – the best party host, the goofiest dancer, a great advice-giver. He was compassionate, encouraging, and faithful. But above all, Uncle Dario prided himself in being "A Son of God"; striving to appreciate his blessings, gifting those blessings to others, and being a consistent source of joy, laughter, and love.
Dario & Keiko achieved the level of "CheonBo Couple" in recent years, and loved to travel to new countries with their daughters, and eat at all-you-can-eat buffets. He and his wife fulfilled their desire to have all four daughters Blessed within the UC Faith (the first daughter in 2009, and the other three daughters in 2020).
Dario survived 3 heart attacks and 1 stroke, only to then be diagnosed with esophageal & stomach cancer in January 2023. He was a fighter until the very end.
Dario Pisano passed away on Friday, January 10th at 10:21 am, surrounded by his daughters, grandchildren, and wife holding him. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Keiko, his five beautiful daughters, and his four cherished grandchildren.
He is greatly loved and dearly missed.
And surely doing incredible works for True Father now in God's Heavenly Kingdom.
In Memory of Margarita Johanna Olson
Margarita Johanna Olson
Spouse: Christopher Olson
Children: Maniyer, Heidi, Christopher, Channa, and Jenneke
DOB: April 11, 1949
Blessing Date: February 8, 1975
Ascension: December 22, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 10:30 AM EST at the Indianapolis Family Church on 6202 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81527256273
Meeting ID: 815 2725 6273
Margarita van der Stok was born on April 11, 1949 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Her father worked for a Dutch shipping company in this former colony of the Netherlands. Margarita was 8 years of age when the van der Stok family moved back to Holland in 1957. In 1958, Margarita became seriously ill and almost died. She recovered but had to have one of her kidneys removed.
Margarita was introduced to our True Parents and the Unification Principle in late 1967 when she was 18 years old. Her older brother, Johan, joined the Unification Church in 1965 in Cleveland, Ohio, returned to the Netherlands and introduced his family to our True Parents. The entire van der Stok family of Johan’s parents and four siblings joined the Unification Church in 1968 and all were eventually Blessed in marriage.
From 1968 – 1972, Margarita studied nursing at a hospital in Amsterdam. She also decided to live in the Unification Church center and become more active in church missions in 1970. During this time, she decided to give up her nursing career and to offer full time devotions to her new found path of faith.
In March, 1973, Margarita joined a group of 20 other Dutch church members to become missionaries to the USA. Later that year in October, she joined the International One World Crusade (IOWC), where teams of 50 members would travel throughout America in support of Rev. Moon’s speaking tours.
In late 1974, Margarita was chosen to join a special IOWC team that would do church activities in Japan and Korea. During that time Margarita participated in the 1800 couples Blessing held in Seoul, Korea on February 8, 1975. She was Blessed in an international marriage with her husband, Christopher Olson (USA).
Margarita left Japan in 1976 and returned to Holland where she continued her devotional life in a variety of church missions until late 1979. In early 1980, Margarita joined her husband, Christopher, as an international missionary. Together they worked teaching the Divine Principle and promoting the activities of our True Parents in New Zealand, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. During those missionary years Margarita gave birth to her five children (Maniyer, Heidi, Christopher, Channa, and Jenneke).
The Olson family returned from their international missions in 1993, settling in Christopher’s home town of Pacifica, California. Through the next three decades, mostly centered on the Bay Area Family Church, Margarita established an import/wholesale jewelry company as a foundation for our family life in California. Her main mission, however, was the raising of her young and growing family (ages 3-12). Church life continued to be central and Margarita connected to the many developments in God’s providence… going to Sunday service, attending True Parents’ public speeches, traveling to Korea several times, Liberating and Blessing ancestors, supporting WFWP, etc.
In July 2021, Margarita and her husband moved to Carmel, Indiana, to live as a three generational family, including 4 of her 8 grandchildren. Our Indianapolis Family Church has been a source of great joy and inspiration for Margarita during our three and a half years in Indiana. The love that she has given and received from our church community in Indiana will always remain with her.
In Memory of Diane Tangreti
Diane Tangreti
Spouse: Antonio Tangreti
Children: Sherrond Anthony Person, Cristina Esther Pearl
DOB: October 14, 1953
Blessing Date: October 14, 1982
Ascension: November 25, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: December 5 at 8:00 PM at 2301 Findlay Ave. Monterey Park, CA 91754
GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-diane-tangretis-celebration-of-life
Diane was born in Toledo, Ohio on October 14, 1953 to Doris (née Radcliff) Person and Jesse Person. The second-born of nine children, she grew up surrounded by the love of her family. She was particularly close to her grandmother, Pearl, who often looked after not only her and her siblings, but many of the children in the neighborhood as well. Pearl’s unconditional love instilled in Diane a deep desire to care for the less fortunate, especially children.
In 1974, after attending Bowling Green State University, Diane was blessed by the birth of her son, Sherrond “Anthony” Person. Not long after that, she made the life-changing decision to move to California.
It was there, in 1976, not far from Hollywood Boulevard, that she found the Unification Church. Her encounter with a church member (who had committed to witnessing only to women) felt more like destiny than mere chance. Knowing that her beloved Grandma Pearl had been praying for her to find her own path to God, Diane felt deeply that the church was that divine path. After attending a local lecture, she decided to join.
Before too long, she became a key player in the church’s Southern California community. Her resourcefulness, hard work, and irresistible charm and optimism left a lasting impression on everyone who met her. She became known far and wide for her countless contributions to the church: cooking and serving food at Camp Mozumdar, witnessing and fundraising in Santa Barbara, selling flowers in Redondo Beach, coordinating deliveries and donations for Project Volunteer, and just about anything else she could do to be of service. She always had love and energy to give to the people and causes she cared about.
In October 1982, Diane attended the Blessing Ceremony in Korea, where she was matched to Antonio Tangreti, from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The following year, Diane and her son Anthony relocated to Buenos Aires to live with Antonio in a church center. After living there for about a year, the young family of three moved to Los Angeles in February 1984.
Diane and Antonio settled into their new life together and before long, Diane felt another calling that she needed to answer: the calling to help disadvantaged children. She made the decision to become a licensed foster parent and, in 1989, she took in her first foster child, Eddie. It didn’t take long for the Tangreti household to become full of children in need. Though they loved their foster children and Anthony, Diane and Antonio still desired to have a child of their own. After being challenged by fertility issues for several years, their wish was granted in the form of their adopted daughter, Cristina, in 1993.
As a full-time foster parent, Diane specialized in helping children with behavioral and medical issues. For many years she served as a counselor and parent advocate for the East Los Angeles Regional Center. She also served on the Board of Directors for Pacific Clinics in Pasadena, California. She was a passionate advocate for foster care, dedicated to offering support and resources to families who needed help caring for their children. Her work left a lasting impact on the children she raised and on the local foster care community as a whole.
Diane was diagnosed with cancer in December 2023. Despite the diagnosis, she carried on with her trademark joy and optimism, choosing to make the most of whatever time she had left. She dealt with her illness privately and continued to prioritize making beautiful memories with her loved ones. She danced, she traveled, and she danced some more, until she couldn’t anymore. On November 25, 2024, Diane passed away peacefully with her friends and family by her side.
Diane will always be remembered as a giver. Whether she was giving literal gifts (which she loved to do) or giving her love or her time, she never asked for anything in return. Her heart was one of true selflessness and kindness. Anyone who knew her well could share a story about how she surprised them with her thoughtfulness. While she will be deeply missed, the joy she spread and the love she gave to so many will leave a lasting legacy that transcends her time on Earth.
A private Seonghwa event was held for Diane on December 5th. Diane’s wish for the end of her life is for her loved ones to come together to celebrate with Motown music and dancing the incredible life she has lived. A celebration of Diane’s life will be held in January, details to be announced. Those wishing to offer a gift in her memory and assist in deferring expenses can contribute to her GoFundMe at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-diane-tangretis-celebration-of-life
In Memory of Yukiko Takaki Townsend
Yukiko Takaki Townsend
Spouse: Theodore Townsend
Children: Aaron, Young-Hi, James
DOB: October 2, 1954
Blessing Date: January 12, 1989
Ascension: November 23, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: Monday, December 16 at 7:00 PM at Bay Area Family Church 2305 Washington Avenue, San Leandro CA 94577
Won Jeon : Tuesday, December 17 at 10:30 am at Lone Tree Cemetery 24591 Fairview Avenue, Hayward, CA 94541
Yukiko Takaki Townsend was born on October 2, 1954, the seventh of eight children. She grew up on a beautiful small island in the Hiroshima Prefecture that could only be reached by boat. She went to college in the city nearby and studied Japanese history, culture, and she wanted to be a librarian. She was granted a license to be a middle school teacher and a certification to be a librarian. After graduation, she worked as a swimming school instructor for four and a half years and enjoyed teaching children to swim.
On October 1, 1981 she joined the Unification Church and became a full time member. Soon after she started selling ivory stamps and ginseng extract. Later she sold kimonos, jewelry and paintings at exhibitions all around Japan. On October 15, 1986 she moved to Detroit to work as a waitress at a sushi restaurant. On March 27, 1987 she was matched to Theodore Townsend by Rev. Moon in New York City. After that she spent time at church centers in Idaho and Nevada, and enjoyed seeing the beautiful scenery in the wild west. On January 12, 1989, she and Theo were blessed in marriage by Rev. and Mrs. Moon in Korea. They eventually moved in to an apartment in Changwon at the southern tip in Korea.
In 1990, she and Theo moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where they had three children: Aaron (born in 1991), Young-Hi (born in 1993) and James (born in 1996). They were very happy to have three children and had many joyful experiences together. The family travelled on many adventures visiting Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Arizona, and many locations up and down the California coast. A highlight of her travels was touring Europe with her daughter Young-Hi. In 1991, she learned about Korean cooking and how to prepare the offering food for church Holy Day celebrations. In 1992 she began performing the Japanese tea ceremony for events sponsored by the Women's Federation for Peace. She taught preschool Sunday School for sixteen years, and volunteered as the treasurer for the church Boy Scout troop.
In October of 2022 she was diagnosed with cancer of the colon. After surgery she recovered for a time, but the cancer returned so she underwent a full chemotherapy treatment. In July of this year she went into septic shock and spent several weeks recovering before returning home. She passed quietly on November 23 at 9:15 AM surrounded by her family.
Yukiko was devoted to her husband, children, extended family and church. She was quick to jump into conversation and loved nothing more that to chat with friends over a cup of tea. She will be missed until we meet again.
Flowers: Please contact Monika Kellett (510) 853 1703
Cards to the Family: 1542 Halsey Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94578
In Memory of Carlos Alberto Lopes Ferreira
Carlos Alberto Lopes Ferreira
Spouse: Suzanne Claveau Ferreira
Children: Young Ho, Alexandre, Carla, Bernard
DOB: March 24, 1960
Blessing Date: January 12, 1989
Ascension: September 23, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: September 30, 2pm (EST)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carlos Alberto Lopes Ferreira, a committed husband, father and grandfather-to-be. He passed away peacefully at the age of 64 years old. Carlos was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he shared his indigenous mother's deep faith in God. At just 17 years old, he joined the Unification Church, dedicating the next 21 years of his life to fundraising, witnessing, missionary work, and building a loving family. His journey took him to the northern regions of Brazil, Suriname, the USA, and Russia, where he served as a leader, translator for a Russian general and an incredible teacher. He guided countless church members toward a life rooted in faith, peace, love, and family.
Carlos was a devoted family man who made sure to be present for our mother, Suzanne, and his four children. After six years in Russia, the family moved to Canada, seeking to continue their mission of faith. They intentionally bought a large house, welcoming families in need by providing them with rooms to stay in. Carlos and Suzanne opened their hearts and home to over 25 youth in foster care, demonstrating their unwavering generosity.
Even while bravely battling cancer, Carlos continued to care for three wonderful foster youths, embodying a spirit of kindness and support. He peacefully passed away on Monday, September 23rd, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Carlos was a true feminist at heart, redefining traditional roles in remarkable ways. He supported Suzanne by staying home to cook, clean, and manage the household, while also running the family business. This dedication ensured he was always present for his children after school. Calm and observant, he listened deeply to those around him, offering reassurance, advice, and a non-judgmental spirit. Carlos leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and community service, and he will be profoundly missed.
Mailing address of ascended’s family: 188, 4th Boulevard, Terrasse-Vaudreuil, J7V 5N1, QC, Canada
In Memory of Joseph Riley Kinney
Joseph Riley Kinney
Spouse: Kumiko Kinney
Children: Jacqueline Ito,
Jane Kumiko, Judith Aeri, Joseph Jacob
DOB: December 16, 1950
Blessing Date: July 1, 1982
Ascension: December 8, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: December 15, 4pm (CST) at Woodfin Funeral Chapel, 203 N Lowry St, Smyrna, TN 37167
Joseph Riley Kinney was born on December 16, 1950, in La Vergne, TN, a small town south of Nashville. Joe was adopted by Joseph and Catherine Kinney and grew up in Memphis, TN. Joe was a deeply spiritual individual and experienced many profound instances with God while attending parochial school as a practicing Catholic. In November of 1972, while attending Christian Brothers College, he met Diane Fink Drucker who introduced him to the Unification Church. Joe, as the first Unification Church member from Tennessee, had found his true calling. The movement first brought Joe to New York where he joined the International One World Crusade at Belvedere and East Garden Estates. Joe was able to foster a close relationship with Rev. Moon's family during these early years. He then traveled throughout Asia selling machine tools for the Tongil Group, eventually learning to speak Korean. Joe finally returned to the United States in 1979.
On July 1, 1982, Joe and Kumiko Ito received the Blessing of marriage through a special ceremony officiated by Rev. Moon at Madison Square Garden in New York City. They welcomed their first child, Jacqueline Ito in 1984 followed by Jane Kumiko in 1986, Judith Aeri in 1992, and Joseph Jacob in 1994. Joseph also experienced the joy of grandparenthood through his two granddaughters, Charlotte Aiko and Marlene Ren.
Joe, who specialized in systems and refrigeration engineering, built his career while working with True World Foods and FarmLand Dairies. He eventually retired from the New Yorker Hotel after 21 years of service. At the New Yorker, Joe was able to catalogue and exhibit the significance of the establishment – an architecturally art-deco building in the heart of Manhattan. Visitors today can find an exhibit curated by Joe that features 1920's memorabilia and the history of Nikola Tesla's last days as a resident of the hotel.
In 2001, Joe was able to meet his birth mother, Marion Dunn, who was proud of her Cherokee heritage and had published a children's book, Tenase Brave, a charming informational text on the culture and traditions of the Tennessee Cherokee Nation. Although his biological father had passed before they could meet, Joe was able to connect with several siblings and his extended family. Discovering his heritage and meeting his biological relatives was one of his most important and cherished experiences.
After his retirement in 2017, Joe and Kumiko travelled across the United States, towing an Airstream. After several years of travel, they settled in La Vergne, TN, Joe’s birthplace, to be closer to his relatives. It was around this time that Joe began intensive treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Joe was able to be fitted with a Deep Brain Stimulator which greatly helped his symptoms. Unfortunately, after the DBS placement, Joe was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Joe battled his diagnosis, undergoing 3 rounds of treatment before succumbing to the disease on December 8th, 2024. Joe passed away surrounded by the love and support of many old friends and family members at Alive Hospice Residences in Nashville, TN.
In Memory of Zachary Yong Rogers
Zachary Yong Rogers
Spouse: Yuka Sasada Rogers
DOB: May 20, 1986
Blessing Date: February 17, 2013
Ascension: November 4, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: December 7, 2024 11:00 AM ET at 3600 New York Ave. NE Washington, DC 20002
Livestream: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87142510324?pwd=9DOT7ETkPm8UJIaKBeBz9GFJSsWueW.1
Donations: https://gofund.me/27fa4284
Zachary Yong Rogers, a beloved son, brother, husband, and cherished friend to so many, passed away on November 4, 2024. Born in Seattle, Washington and raised in Kodiak, Alaska, Zachary embodied resilience, determination, and an unwavering zest for life.
As a youth, Zachary grew up spending time around US Coast Guard ships and helicopters on the Kodiak Coast Guard base. At age 10, he also went to Uruguay, South America and Swaziland, Africa, on missions with his family.
At the age of 17, Zachary faced his first great battle when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. With courage and strength, he overcame the disease, emerging as an inspiring example of perseverance. He pursued his dreams with passion, attending the University of Michigan, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture in 2015. Along the way, he married the love of his life, Yuka Sasada, in 2013, beginning a beautiful journey together.
Zachary’s childhood dream was to join the U.S. Coast Guard, a goal he steadfastly pursued. After starting his career in Seattle, his journey took him and Yuka to Maryland in 2020, where his dream became a reality. His dedication and commitment were hallmarks of his character.
In the years that followed, Zachary faced a second, unexpected challenge when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Throughout countless doctor appointments and hospital stays, he never wavered in his positivity. He brought light to those around him, sharing his humor, kindness, and love for good food, even in the toughest times.
Zachary was deeply loved by his family and close friends, who stood by him with unwavering support. His strength, optimism, and love for life touched everyone he met. Though his passing leaves an immense void, his legacy of courage, love, and joy will forever be remembered.
Now free from illness, Zachary leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
If you would like to share your special photos or stories with him, please click below to post on his Kudoboard.
In Memory of Kathryn Mary Chapman
Kathryn Mary Chapman
Spouse: Peter Kahu Shaw
Children: Stephen, Jacob, Renee, and Rory
DOB: November 26, 1951
Ascension: November 11, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: Saturday, December 7 at 11:00 AM at Bay Area Family Church
Flowers for the Seonghwa
Bay Area Family Church with delivery by Friday, December 6, 2024
(510) 483 4712
Kathryn Mary Chapman was born on the 26th of November in 1951 at Scripps Memorial Hospital to Charles Edward Chapman, an engineer who helped develop rocket engines, and Jean Mae Perry, an homemaker who later became a painter and sculptor. She grew up in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego alongside her three older siblings Tom, Bill, and Teri and her younger brother Ed.
Along the beaches and cliffs of San Diego she first fell in love with the ocean. Always athletic and competitive, she would have loved to taken up surfing but girls were discouraged from participating. Later she would teach her children to love surfing and the ocean as she did. She also loved playing guitar. A rebellious spirit at heart, at a young age she ventured off on her own. She drove through Mexico to work on a documentary. Later she moved to the mountains of Idaho, camping in the hills, took up skiing, and found a deep connection to the natural flow of the mountains.
Cathy joined the Unification Church in 1976, becoming very active as part of the LA branch of the church. She was Blessed to Peter Kahu Shaw, a Kiwi, at Madison Square Garden on July 1st of 1982. She spent time in Boseman, Montana working for the church before returning to California. She and Peter settled down in Berkeley, then the Oakland Hills, and later Hayward to raise four children, Stephen, Jacob, Renee, and Rory. Homeschooling each of her kids with the support of other parents from the church, she passed on her intellectual curiosity and passions to her children. Renee continues to excel in sports, snowboarding with her husband Teo every chance she gets and captaining an ultimate frisbee team in Pasadena. Jacob followed into the family's engineering tradition, working as a civil engineer after earning a master’s degree at UC Berkeley where he met his wife Lara. Rory inherited Cathy’s wanderlust, traveling the world in pursuit of surf and earning a psychology degree in New Zealand. Cathy was able to attend her eldest son’s wedding to Maribel in July of this year, the two having met as part of a study abroad trip in New Zealand nearly a decade prior.
In 2015, Cathy and Peter moved to New Zealand, living on both coasts of the North Island before settling amongst the forests and mountains of Peter's Māori ancestors. Cathy became a part of the community joining a local tai chi group, taking te reo classes, and participating in traditions of the local Māori. After five years the two returned to California, settling in the small town of Guerneville on the banks of the Russian River. They spent many days exploring the redwood forests and rugged coast of Northern California. They welcomed two grandchildren, Arlo and Kaia by way of Lara and Jacob. Always inquisitive, Cathy remained active in her local faith group and wrote a treatise to deepen her understanding of God.
This August, she was diagnosed with cancer. During her final months, she was dutifully attended to by her husband Peter and their son Rory, who had returned from Australia to care for her, with frequent visits and support from the rest of her family. She passed away on Remembrance Day 11/11/2024 at 3:30 pm, surrounded by her family. She loved her family, loved being in nature, and had a loving curiosity about the nature of God.
Please send all cards to Peter Shaw at 16351 First Street #24, Guerneville, CA 95446.
In Memory of Victor Moore
Victor Moore
Spouse: Janis Moore
Children: Victor, Timothy
DOB: August 5, 1958
Ascension: October 22, 2024
Celebration of Life: Late February 2025
Plant a tree: To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Victor, please visit this Tree Store.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Victor Moore, a cherished husband, father, and friend, who left this world on October 22, 2024, at the age of 66. Born on August 5, 1958, in Baltimore, Maryland, Victor lived a vibrant life in Mahopac, New York, where he became a beloved member of his community.
Victor was the proud owner of Showset Productions, where his passion for music came to life. Music was not just a hobby for Victor; it was a lifelong passion that he shared with those around him. In addition to his love for music, he was an avid tennis and golf enjoyer, often seen on the court and the driving range, relishing the sport and the friendships it fostered.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Janis Moore, whose love and support were a cornerstone of his life. Victor was a loving father to his two sons, Victor J. Moore and Timothy G. Moore, who carry his legacy of kindness and creativity forward. He was the beloved son of Rufus Moore and Vivian (Thornton) Moore, and he leaves behind a loving family, including siblings Ruby, Marcella, Henry, Dian, Larry, Maurice, Anita, Tonya, and Rufus, as well as his late sister, Devata.
Victor’s warm spirit, infectious laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family and passions will be deeply missed. A celebration of his life will be planned in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland for late February 2025, where friends and family can gather to honor and remember the remarkable man he was.
Rest in peace, Victor. Your melody will forever echo in our hearts.