In Memory of Ryoichi Minakawa
Ryoichi Minakawa
Spouse: Atsuko
Children: Ikumi, Nami, Yoshimi
Birthdate: December 7, 1961
Blessing: August 25, 1992
Seonghwa Ceremony: November 20, 2022
Ryoichi Minakawa was born on December 7, 1961 in Inawashiro, Fukushima. On November 06, 1984, Ryoichi joined the Unification Church in Japan. His spiritual father is Mr. Yoshiyuki Kudo, a 6,000 Couples Blessing participant.
On August 25, 1992 Ryoichi was blessed to Atsuko in the 30,000 Couples Blessing held in Seoul. Ryoichi came to the United States for missionary work on November 5, 1992.
His wife, Atsuko passed away 8 years ago. He his survived by his three children: his son, Ikumi; daughter, Nami; and daughter, Yoshimi.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: November 20, 2022
Location: Royal Oak Community Center (3500 Marais Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48073)
Go Fund Me for the family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-minakawa-family
In Memory of Sung San Lee
Rev. Sung San Lee
Spouse: Soon Up Lee
Children: Sang Kyu Lee
Birthdate: November 27, 1937
Blessing: February 22, 1968
Ascension: December 7, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: December 17, 2022
Rev. Sung San Lee, who had worked as a leader of the providence in North America since the early days of the Unification Church in Canada and the United States, as well as in England and Korea, was called by Heaven at the age of 86 at the Nursing Center in the LA area.
Rev. Lee joined the Unification Church on January 7, 1962 and originally served as a pastor in Korea. In 1968, he was blessed with his wife, Soon Up Lee, as part of the 430 couples Blessing.
From July 1972 to July 1973, Rev. Lee acted as an Intelligence Research Specialist at the U.S. Army Unit in Okinawa, Japan at the invitation of the U.S. State Department.
From 1973 to 1977, Rev. Lee served as Canada Church Counsel and founded Canada International Federation for Over Communism and acted in related activities. He also helped found Canada CARP and establish the Korean church in Canada. From 1978 to 1979, Rev. Lee served as a missionary to England according to True Parents' direction and was involved in 40 Home Church Center Activities.
From 1979 to approximately 1983, Rev. Lee helped found News World acting as Vice President, Noticias Del Mundo (Spanish Newspaper), and the Washington Times.
From 1983 to around 1996, Rev. Lee served as Regional Director in various regions of the United States. For the last seven of those years, he served in the US West region, specifically in the Los Angeles area.
Rev. Lee also served as National Messiah to Kyrgyzstan in 1997. After that, he devoted himself for the providence while serving local churches in LA, Las Vegas, and New Jersey.
Rev. Lee had been struggling with chronic illness for over a year prior to passing. He leaves behind his son, Sang Kyu Lee; daughter-in-law, Set Pyul Lee; and one grandson, Tyler Gyeseung Lee.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: December 17, 2022 at 11:00 AM EST (8:00 AM PST)
Location: Han Kook Mortuary (2045 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018)
Cards and condolences can be sent to the family at:
1066 Grand Ave. Unit D-05
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
In Memory of Stan Paczynski
Stanislaus Paczynski
Spouse: Caroline Paczynski Delacroix
Children: Sofia, Johanna, Steven, Andrew, Stacey, Matthew
Birthdate: May 3, 1947
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: May 31, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: June 4, 2022
Stan could intimidate you on first impression with his gruff exterior and a voice you would surely hear even if at a distance. A bear of a man, he was a tall man and was often referred to as, "Stan, the man.” Inside, he could be a real teddy bear. In character, he was cut and dry, and in his mind, there is no grey area—it was black or white. Stan owes his relentless character to his parents, Stefan and Zosia.
He loved speaking of God's words and will and was happiest when he could do so. For the last decade, he frequented the YMCA and McDonald’s, not for exercise and food, but to speak to people about the Divine Principle, God's purpose for human existence, God's will, and God’s heart. Those who came to know him really cared about him. They saw through his gruff exterior to the kind soul inside.
Stan first became sick 6 years ago when he was stricken by a ruptured aneurysm in January 2016. By God's miracle, he survived and recovered, though it was then recommended for him to use a walker to walk. In 2018, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. A year later, the cancer was in remission. However, it eventually came back and spread into his bones.
Yet even when things were difficult, Stan and his wife, Caroline, would go to McDonald’s where they would work together connecting to people they met. To this day, there's always someone who greets Caroline and recalls something he or she experienced with Stan.
Throughout her marriage to Stan, Caroline was able to connect to Stan’s sisters and understand both Stan and his parent’s better through those connections and heart-to-heart conversations. Stan’s parents, Stefan and Zosia, both grew up in Poland and were very young when the country was invaded by Germany and Russia. Though they both experienced hardship and loss, they built a resilient and tenacious spirit. It is with this kind of spirit that Stan did everything he did—he was hard-working and dedicated to support his family and was driven to share with others what he believed, which is what gave him a strong purpose to live.
Stan ascended on May 31, 2022. He was at home with his family, receiving hospice care. He is survived by his wife, Caroline; children, Sofia, Johanna, Steven, Andrew, Stacey, Matthew; and several grandchildren.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: June 4, 2022
Location: The Paczynski Family Home (12507 Dolan Avenue, Downey, CA 90242)
Cards and condolences may be sent to the family:
12507 Dolan Avenue
Downey, CA 90242
In Memory of Hiroshi Inose
Rev. Hiroshi Inose
Spouse: Hatsune Ikeda
Birthdate: November 14, 1947
Blessing: February 8, 1975
Ascension: November 10, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: November 16, 2022
Rev. Hiroshi Inose was born in Japan in 1947 and joined the Unification Church in 1968. Soon after joining, Rev. Inose became a natural leader. From 1968 until 1986, he served in many leadership capacities in Japan. He served as a local CARP leader, as a district leader and lecturer, and as the national director of the Education Department.
In 1975, Rev. Inose was Blessed with Hatsune Ikeda. Under the direction of True Parents, Rev. and Mrs. Inose came to the United States in 1986 to serve as CARP leaders, and in 1990 they moved to America with their family. Since 1986, for 36 years, they have been working to support the American providence.
When he first came in 1986, Rev. Inose served as CARP leader in Chicago, and then served as both the State Leader and CARP Leader in Los Angeles until 1995. From 1995 until 1999, he was the leader of the Japanese Evangelical Association for the Family Federation in Los Angeles. On November 1, 1999, Mr. Inose was appointed as Director of FFWPU-USA KODAN, and served in this capacity until his sudden passing. In 2015, Rev. Inose was appointed as CIG-IW to support Japanese families and pastors in America, in addition to his role in KODAN.
For over 36 years, Rev. Inose has dedicated his time to teaching and education as part of his leadership missions. He served as a Divine Principle lecturer, as an official lecturer of the Unification Movement’s Providential History, and as USA CIG-IW. Rev. Inose answered Heavenly Parent’s call and accepted the mission given to him by True Parents.
As leader of KODAN, Rev. Inose invested his heart and offered incredible Jeongseong to serve Heavenly Parent and True Parents, and dedicated time and efforts to educate and offer guidance for brothers and sisters. He has given his heart and soul to the American providence as a Japanese member and truly loved America.
Rev. Inose and his wife, Hatsune, received the Marriage Blessing in the 1800 Couples’s Blessing, and they have two children. He passed to the spirit world unexpectedly on November 10, 2022 at 6:25 AM EST.
Seonghwa Services
Viewing Ceremony: Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 7 PM EST
Location: Clifton Family Church (78 De Mott Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011)
Seonghwa Ceremony: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 9 AM EST
Location: Clifton Family Church (78 De Mott Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011)
The Seonghwa Ceremony will also be streamed by zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89385861098
GoFundMe to offer support to the Inose family: gofund.me/c71a4d73
In Memory of Chen Fong
Lawrence “Chen” Fong
Spouse: Kyoung-Sook Fong
Children: Justin, Soon-Jung, Ryan
Birthdate: December 3, 1947
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: October 29, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: November 5, 2022
Reverend Chen Fong was a minister, dedicated father, singer and lover of the fine arts, and an avid cook. Most of all, he loved True Parents and his faith community. Since joining the movement in New York City in 1974, Chen served in many roles as an educator and witnesser for the movement. He was well known for being a kind and gentle person who was always happy to lead a prayer and sing with a smile. He and his wife recently celebrated their 40th anniversary, and he leaves behind a legacy of three generations of blessed families—three children, six grandchildren, and two more grandchildren on the way.
Chen served in various leadership roles for 30 years such as pastor, CARP leader, regional minister and lecturer. He graduated from the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS) in 1978. He has also won the CheonBo Award, the Heavenly Tribal Messiah's Award. He was active in outreach to the Chinese American community and also other communities of faith in his region. Chen was fortunate to travel the world doing mission work in the UK, Japan, Korea, Russia, and on both coasts of the United States.
He has always had great interest in the arts. Chen loved architecture, crafts, and origami. He was also an expert at calligraphy and was often asked to write the cards for various church holidays. His garden was full of flowers. In his later years, Chen sang tenor in various local choirs. He was involved in the senior center activities and small group activities of the church. He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren.
His favorite hymn was Be Thou My Vision
His favorite song was The Impossible Dream
His favorite duet was A Million Dreams (from The Greatest Showman)
His favorite composer was Johann Sebastian Bach
His favorite architect was Frank Lloyd Wright
His favorite poem was the Crown of Glory
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday, November 5, 2022 10:00 AM EST (Viewing begins at 9:00 AM)
Location: St George's Episcopal Church (755 Clinton Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604)
Cards and condolences can be sent to the family at:
224 Alsace Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Flower arrangements can be sent to: St George's Episcopal Church (755 Clinton Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604)
In Memory of Keum Soon Park
Keum Soon Park
Spouse: Chong Goo “Tiger” Park
Birthdate: February 12, 1938
Blessing: May 15, 1961
Ascension: October 22, 2022
Seonghwa Memorial Service: October 24, 2022
Keum Soon Park ascended to the spirit world to join her husband Chong Goo “Tiger” Park on October 22, 2022. She passed away peacefully in her sleep.
Mrs. Park, born on February 12, 1938, joined the church while in high school in South Korea. She took part in the 36 Couples' Blessing.
Soon after her blessing, she and her husband went to the countryside, raised money, and built a school for the underprivileged. She wrote calligraphy to support the raising of funds to build the school. She took great pride in her calligraphy skills and often shared how True Father once complimented her work.
In 1977, Mrs. Park and her family immigrated to California in the United States. There, she was a devout member of the church community and supported her husband in CARP activities. In 1982, her husband passed away, and since then, she raised her nine children on her own. She was always grateful to True Parents for their support at that time.
True Parents commended her for her devotion and prayer at the time of Danbury and for her incredible faith and an exemplary, prayerful life. She set a condition by doing years of morning fasting and hours of prayer per day for the providence, family, faith, and the True Family.
Mrs. Park loved fishing and was proud about how she caught the biggest fish in a fishing challenge in Paraguay when she was there. She also loved telling the story of how she broke a record when she caught a 47” striped bass in the Hudson River.
She took tremendous pride in being the wife of Rev. “Tiger” Park and the nine children they brought into this world. Mrs. Park is survived by her seven sons, two daughters, twenty four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Seonghwa Memorial Service
Date: Monday, October 24, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location: Belvedere Training Center (723 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591)
Viewing: Monday, October 24, 2022 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at Edward-Dowdle Funeral Home (64 Ashford Ave., Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522)
If you are attending in person, please observe the Seonghwa ceremony attire:
Men - dark suits and white tie
Women - white or cream color clothes
Live-stream of Memorial Service: https://www.youtube.com/c/belvederefamily (It will be visible as soon as the ceremony is live.)
And also at: https://belvederefamily.com/live
In Memory of Catherine Ferabolli
Catherine Ferabolli
Spouse: Altair
Children: Arlena, Karmina, Letisha
Birthdate: April 28, 1953
Blessing: October 14, 1982
Ascension: October 10, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: October 15, 2022
Catherine (Cathy) Ferabolli, nee Aherne, was welcomed into a large Catholic family in rural Ireland on April 28, 1953. Cathy grew up on a farm with 15 brothers and sisters. They milked cows and shared chores. She learned to work hard.
Cathy excelled academically and enjoyed reading, but what she really loved above all else was playing sports. With so many brothers and sisters, it was easy to put together a football game on the field after dinner. Cathy was in the first group of women allowed to officially play Irish football in her town. She has always been a trailblazer.
After graduating high school, Cathy joined some of her brothers and sisters who had traveled to America to find work. Cathy landed in the Big Apple and began her next adventure. In 1974, Cathy was introduced to the Unification Church by Hisako Watanabe and was moved by the vision of the Unification Movement to build one family under God. She thrived as she worked on many campaigns, including the 1974 Madison Square Garden Rally where Father spoke intriguing words that caught her attention: “What we need are new ideas—God's ideas, because humankind has exhausted all of its own ideas already. So, I ask each one of you to open your mind and open your heart, so that the spirit of God can speak to you directly.” Cathy invested in studying these new ideas. Her spiritual brother, Chad Hoover, said that once Cathy heard the Divine Principle she was “all in!” She was dedicated, good-natured and hard-working. Her infectious smile and positive energy allowed her to successfully outreach and share her faith with many.
Cathy’s deep faith guided her throughout her life. On October 14, 1982, Cathy received the Marriage Blessing to Altair Ferabolli, who lived in Brazil. Their early communications were through a translator, but Altair became her rock. Over the next 40 years together, they built a beautiful family with three lovely daughters, Arlena, Karmina, and Letisha. Karmina, who had cerebral palsy and needed constant care, lived for just nine precious years. During those demanding years, Cathy said that sometimes people would ask her, “How can you still believe?” Cathy’s simple response was, “I don’t believe in God, I depend on God. I know I can get through each day because God has my back.” It was this heart that she wanted to pass on to her children and those around her. Cathy’s sister, Bridgette, said that while the nurses came to care for Karmina every day, it was Cathy who was mentoring and caring for the nurses. Cathy had a mother’s heart, not just for her children but for the whole community.
Cathy has taken care of so many people over the years, and she had the heart of an activist. That was her God language, the way she personally felt connected to God. She was drawn to service projects from supporting people in need, to investing in the youth of her faith community—being there for them when they needed an Auntie. Cathy was always involved!
Mika Deshotel said of those times, “Cathy Ferabolli opened my eyes to the plight of those less fortunate. She was always rooting for the underdog and had a special place in her heart for young people and providing them with opportunities to grow. She served as a mentor, and a community leader, but ultimately as a mother who led by example. She also gave me invaluable experiences, working with movers and shakers for positive change in the community.”
Cathy was at the heart of many Worcester community events, creating collaborations between her faith community and numerous other organizations, including Friendly House, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Worcester Housing Authority, the Regional Environmental Council, and Brigham Hill Community Farm, to name just a few. Cathy was an avid supporter of the Women’s Federation for World Peace, Schools of Africa project.
Her heart was one of selfless service. She was recognized by so many, both young and old. In 2004, the Family Federation for World Peace honored Cathy with an award for her Outstanding Leadership and Dedication to Service. In 2007, The International League of Muslim Women, New England Chapter, honored Cathy with an award in recognition of her Outstanding Service to G-d, Family and Humanity. Cathy later traveled to Israel with WFWP as part of a peace initiative to bring reconciliation and healing among the three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Cathy’s sister, Bridgette, said she was a champion for so many people. When she got her teeth into a cause, she wouldn’t let go. She gave 100% of herself in all that she did. Cathy was feisty and fun. Bridgette was hopeful that Cathy could retire, once she reached 65 years of age, and relax a little. But no, Cathy wanted to do something to help the refugee crisis. And so their family welcomed a refugee youth from South America to live with them. This was her way of loving God and loving the world.
Her joy, her love of games, her sense of fun, and the memories she created with the many, many people she loved lives in our hearts. Cathy is survived by her husband of 40 years, Altair; her eldest daughter, Arlena, who is Blessed with Takanari Suzuki, and their daughter, Kaya; and Cathy and Altair’s second daughter, Letisha Ferabolli. Cathy leaves behind 9 of her 15 siblings and many other family members and friends all over the world.
As we celebrate Cathy Ferabolli’s beautiful life, we are comforted by the words of Rumi, “Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” Those we love may leave the physical world and we will miss their physical presence, but they are always with us in our hearts.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 1:00 PM
Location: First Unitarian Church (90 Main St, Worcester, Massachusetts 01608)
Calling hours will be on October 14 from 4 PM to 7 PM at O’Conner Brothers Funeral Home (592 Park Ave, Worcester, Massachusetts 01608)
Zoom livestream link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84959718362?pwd=cHBTZWZ0SWh6Y2RKTUFMZDNGUTlNdz09
Meeting ID: 849 5971 8362 Passcode: 101522
Cathy wished to invite anyone who would like to make an offering in remembrance of her to donate to the Women’s Federation for World Peace – Schools of Africa Project at https://www.wfwp.us/schools-of-africa
In Memory of Antonio Betancourt
Antonio Betancourt
Spouse: Kyoko Kagawa Betancourt
Children: Kiantar, Annika, Kybo, Isaac
Birthdate: January 9, 1944
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: October 3, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: October 8, 2022
Antonio Betancourt was born January 9, 1944 in Belén, Colombia to a wealthy family, the ninth of 12 children. When Antonio was six, the family was forced to abandon all their landholdings overnight and flee for their lives due to the 1948-1958 civil war. They became destitute refugees within their own country. Antonio grew up knowing extreme poverty and daily hunger. In fact, he had to abandon his education after sixth grade, at age 14, in order to support his family.
Despite this, because of his deft people skills, mental acuity, and leadership ability, he was able to secure a series of jobs in Colombia and, eventually, New York City. In all of them, he quickly rose to positions of responsibility.
He lived in the New York City area for seven years. Then, in 1974, he had a powerful vision of Jesus, who beckoned him compellingly to follow him. The very next month, his spiritual mother, Misako (Horikawa) Connery, came to his brother Michael’s apartment in Flushing, Queens and gave Antonio, who was visiting Michael, a copy of True Father’s Madison Square Garden Rally speech. After reading True Father’s words about Jesus’ life and mission, Antonio believed True Parents and their God-given revelation held the key to God’s Truth and His Kingdom on Earth. As the years passed, all of Antonio’s brothers and sisters and almost all of his large extended family also joined the Unification Movement.
In 1975, Antonio’s singing talent was recognized and he was chosen as a tenor for the New Hope Singers International choir. The choir performed at events across America, including at the God Bless America Festival, a rally of 300,000 people in the nation’s capital on September 18, 1976.
In 1978, he began his long involvement with organizational leadership, helping with Divine Principle workshops in the New York area. At that time, he also poured himself into home church neighborhood work in upper Manhattan, where many low-income Hispanics lived. He and Thomas Ward brought many individuals and entire families to the Movement, giving rise to the New York community’s Spanish Church.
Antonio’s brother, Michael, introduced him in 1979 to an Argentine journalist who had a vision for the United States to oppose the spread of communism in Latin America. With True Father’s approval, this idea took shape as CAUSA International. Over several years, under the leadership and mentoring of Dr. Bo Hi Pak, Antonio and the CAUSA members helped strengthen the anticommunist consciousness throughout the region. Stemming from this work, the newspapers Ultimas Noticias in Uruguay and Noticias del Mundo in New York were founded.
Antonio served as the Executive Director of several important organizations: the Association for the Unity of Latin America (AULA), the Summit Council for World Peace, the International Security Council, UPF International’s Office of Peace and Security Affairs; and as a Member of the Executive Board of the Kirov Academy of Ballet, a world-renowned ballet academy.
Additionally, he served as Secretary-General of the Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI), which brought over 20,000 Ambassadors for Peace from around the world for interfaith peace building in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. He worked extensively in the fields of international affairs, inter-religious dialogue, and international conflict resolution in six continents. He served as Executive Vice President of the International Security Council, a defense and foreign policy think tank, and was Executive Editor of Global Affairs, its quarterly journal.
In these capacities, Antonio met a long list of current and former world leaders, including President George H. W. Bush, President Gerald R. Ford, and President Bill Clinton (U.S.); President Mikhail Gorbachev (USSR); Pope John Paul II; President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il (North Korea); President Kim Dae Jung (South Korea); Chairman Yasser Arafat (Palestinian Authority); Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin and Yitzhak Shamir (Israel); Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath (United Kingdom); Governor General Edward R. Schreyer (Canada); and numerous others.
Because of his international humanitarian and peace work, Antonio received honorary degrees from the Catholic University in Argentina and the University of San Andres in Chile. He also received numerous commendations, including the Grand Medal of Peace from the DPRK (North Korea); Academy Award from the Mexican Academy of International Law; Honorary Citizenship of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and most significantly, he was appointed “Special Envoy of True Parents” by Father and Mother Moon.
His crowning achievement, however, is his family. His marriage to Kyoko Kagawa, in 1982, officiated by Rev. and Mrs. Moon at Madison Square Garden, is his great pride. The loves of his life are his wife and their four children: Kiantar, Annika, Kybo, and Isaac, and many, many precious family members.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM EDT (Visitation starts at 10:00 AM)
Location: The Washington Times Arbor Ballroom (3600 New York Ave. NE Washington, DC 20002)
The ceremony will be followed by a luncheon reception.
Online by Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/618147675 (Use Passcode: 2027)
OR streamed live at: live.capitalhphc.org
Cards and flowers can be sent to the Betancourt family:
6305 Queens Chapel Road,
University Park, MD 20782
In Memory of Robert Duffy
Robert Duffy
Spouse: Ysabel Duffy
Birthdate: October 7, 1952
Blessing: 2005
Ascension: October 4, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: October 7, 2022
Robert “Bob” Joseph Duffy was born in New Jersey on October 7, 1952 to a large Catholic family. He was the fourth of ten siblings, three girls and seven boys: Leonora, Karen, Marybeth, Timothy, Thomas, Patrick, Jim, Michael and Terrence. He attended Catholic school and went on to graduate from the University of Dayton with a degree in political science.
After graduation in 1974, he met the Unification Church in Manhattan, New York, where he joined MFT (Mobile Fundraising Team) and then enrolled in the second class of the Unification Theological Seminary in 1976. His classmates remember him as a happy and jovial brother who liked to make them laugh and often entertained by singing Beatles songs with his guitar. He was active in choir and drama throughout his days in the seminary.
He underwent brain surgery in 1980, after which he needed extensive rehab. In 2005, he was matched with Ysabel Maria Reyes and received the Blessing in Barrytown, NY in the same year. He was also married in a Catholic ceremony at St. Dorothy Church in Eatontown, NJ.
Bob and Ysabel were blessed in marriage for 17 years. Bob was deeply grateful to God that he was able to find his wife Ysabel, marry her and start his family life together. One of the most beautiful songs he composed was about his beloved wife Ysabel, who cared for him with devotion until he passed.
Bob was known to be very generous with his smiles, time and resources. He liked to give and forget. He especially enjoyed spending time with children, singing songs and making them laugh. He had a naturally grateful heart and never gave into complaints even in the midst of dire illness. He will be remembered as a source of inspiration and encouragement.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Friday, October 7th at 6:00 PM EDT (Viewing starts at 4:00 PM)
Location: Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home (530 High Mountain Rd, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417)
Link to view the ceremony: https://youtu.be/HczAbEG8Pm4
In Memory of Ki-Yeal Lee
Rev. Ki-Yeal Lee
Spouse: Seiko Lee
Children: John, Yuna
Birthdate: August 8, 1961
Blessing: October 30, 1988
Ascension: September 20, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: October 8, 2022
Rev. Ki-Yeal Lee was born on August 8, 1961 in Asan, South Korea. He joined the Unification Church through the Cheon-An church on December 1, 1979.
In 1986, Rev. Lee started his course of public missions serving as the head of the Chung-cheong province district and head of the Seoul and Incheon district of CARP. In 1988, Rev. Lee received the Marriage Blessing with Seiko Lee as part of the 6500 Couples’ Blessing.
In 1995, after graduating from UTS, Rev. Lee was sent by True Parents to South America and served as a missionary there for three years. While in South America, he contributed to the founding of the Tiempos del Mundo newspaper.
In 1998, Rev. Lee came to America and served as the first pastor of the Queens Church in New York. He was commissioned as an associate pastor of the KEA New York church in September 1998 and served under Rev. Hyo-Yul Kim until June 1999.
From July 1999 to 2006, Rev. Lee served in many leadership capacities as instructed by True Parents. He served as District Pastor of Denver, CO, as State Leader of Ohio, and District Pastor of New York. He was also a member of the Family Party Central Committee, Director of the Department of External Cooperation, and Deputy Spokesperson in Korea under True Parents' guidance.
In August 2008, Rev. Lee worked at the Department of Strategic Planning in North American FFWPU Headquarters, and on January 21, 2009, True Parents appointed him as the KEA National Director and Pastor of KEA Church in New York.
Rev. Lee ascended on September 20 in Korea after battling with illness. He is survived by his wife Seiko Lee, son John Lee, and daughter Yuna Lee.
Seonghwa Farewell Service
Date: Saturday, October 8 at 9:00 AM EDT (Please arrive by 8:30am)
Location: NY Korean Family Church (374 Squaw Brook RD, North Haledon, NJ 07508)
The Wonjeon Ceremony: 12:00 PM at Rockland Cemetery (201 Kings Highway Sparkill NY 10976)
Everyone is also invited to join virtually by zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89385861098
Please observe the Seonghwa attire:
Men - dark suits and white tie
Women - white or cream color clothes
Condolences and Donations for the family are welcome. Please send to:
NY Korean Family Church
374 Squaw Brook RD
North Haledon, NJ 07508
In Memory of Sam Huneycutt
Samuel Hyo-IL Huneycutt
Parents: Bob & Ryoko Huneycutt
Birthdate: December 9, 1988
Ascension date: September 22, 2022
Seonghwa: October 1, 2022
Samuel (Sam) Hyo-IL Huneycutt was born in New York City on a cold, wintry nigh. He grew up in the south and spent most of his life in North Carolina. He was an intelligent and athletic child, particularly talented in soccer. In middle school, he became self-conscious and by high school, he was so acutely shy that it was a struggle for him to graduate. Even so, he took advanced courses and ran competitively with the cross-country team.
After graduation he turned his attention to computer games, at which he excelled due to quick reflexes and intensive research. He spent six months in a leadership training program called Next Gen Academy, where he challenged himself to fundraise, do service projects, and expand his horizons.
Sam became interested in environmental issues, learning about composting and electric cars. He became vegan and loved shopping at Perkins Orchard in Durham and at local farmer’s markets. He rode his bike whenever possible.
He also developed an interest in Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, and took a train to Florida to attend a Metaphysical Conference, camping there for two weeks. He flew to Hawaii to spend a month with a Healing Community, where he studied the ancient Hawaiian spiritual practice of Ho’oponopono. Sam was an example to all of us by taking time to forgive those who had hurt him and offering apologies to those he felt he might have offended.
He is survived by his parents, Bob and Ryoko Huneycutt; his sister Kay and her husband James Love; brother Gene and his wife Marina and their daughter Grace; brothers Ken and Thomas and sister Natsuyo; as well as his grandmother, Colly Beck of Havelock, and aunt, Donna Carter of Newport News. His family gratefully acknowledges all the kind sentiments and abundant love that brought consolation during this time of loss and ascension.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 12:00 PM EDT
Location: Triangle Family Church (1414 Watts street, Durham, NC, 27701)
Live zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9199491903
Cards and flowers can be sent to:
Bob & Ryoko Huneycutt
3730 Jackson Rd
Durham, NC 27705
In Memory of Johannes de Goeij
Johannes Josephus de Goeij
Spouse: Muriel de Goeij
Children: Rojan, Godfried
Birthdate: March 19, 1945
Ascension: September 23, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: September 29, 2022
Johannes (Jan) Josephus de Goeij was born on March 19, 1945 in Haarzuilens, Utrecht, Netherlands, the first of five children, four sons and one daughter, of the late Willem and Anna (Vernooj) de Goeij. He joined the Unification Church in 1972 and one year later, in 1973, he came to the United States as a missionary. He was deeply committed to his faith and participated in Rev. Moon’s Day of Hope tours, as well as the Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium and Washington Monument rallies.
Jan worked as a founding employee of the News World in New York City and then worked as a graphics specialist for the World and I Magazine and the Washington Times. He was very active with church activities during these times, as well.
After living in Maryland and working for the Washington Times, he moved to Worcester with his wife, Muriel. Jan was a beloved member of the Worcester Family Church community. Those who know Jan are familiar with his kind, gentle spirit that often gave others a friendly greeting, a warm smile, and extended words of gratitude at every opportunity.
Jan enjoyed going for walks, had a thirst for knowledge, loved history and geography (he always had a book in his hands), and had a fondness for cows since growing up on a dairy farm.
Jan passed away unexpectedly, at age 77, on Friday, September 23, 2022 at St. Mary Health Center in Worcester, MA.
Jan is survived by Muriel (Samtjoe) de Goeij, his wife of 17 years; his first wife, Rosemarie Degoey; two sons, Rojan Degoey of Baltimore, Maryland and Godfried de Goey of Oakton, Virginia; his brother Hans de Goeij and sister Annie Van Wijk, both of the Netherlands; and his three grandchildren, Pilar Degoey, Brice Degoey and Ethan de Goey. He is predeceased by two brothers, Jaap de Goeij and Wim de Goeij.
He will be missed and will always hold a place in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Thursday, September 29 from 10:00 am until noon
Location: Rice Funeral Home (300 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01609)
Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery (119 Webster Street, Worcester, MA 01603)
Cards can be sent to:
Muriel Degoeij
36 Upsala St., Apt. 206
Worcester, MA 01610
In Memory of Daniel Landreth
Daniel Paul Landreth
Spouse: Sylvia Candelaria Landreth
Children: Kevin, Nicole, Pauliana, Michael
Birthdate: September 4, 1954
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: September 2, 2022
Daniel “Danny” Paul Landreth was a loving family man, father of four and grandfather of two. He passed peacefully surrounded by family on September 2, 2022. Born on September 4, 1954, in Joliet, IL to Merle Arthur Landreth and Mary Ellen Yohnka Landreth, Danny was the brother of Beverly, Brenda, Dale, and Donald. Daniel proudly served in the United States Marine Corp from 1972 to 1975, where he was a part of the Marine Corp Band.
Danny’s favorite memories of his childhood were working on his grandpa’s farm in Momence, IL, and playing with his siblings and cousins.
Music also played a big role in Danny’s life. He played piano growing up and learned to love jazz through the clarinet and the alto saxophone in his junior and high school bands, and later in the USMC Band. Danny played alto saxophone in the Go World Brass Band for many years, touring all over the country.
As a member of the Unification Church, Danny was a traveler, making several tours around the country throughout different chapters in his life. He drove Coach buses for a total of over 20 years and thoroughly enjoyed guiding and connecting with his passengers, whether on a short ride to the casino or a cross-country chartered tour. He drove for Go Tours bus company in New York for many years.
Above all, Danny was a family man and always put his family first. Even in his childhood, he cherished his family. As a father, he devoted time to each of his children as they needed throughout their lives. He taught his children how to move through and understand the world with care, directness, and loads of humor.
A small service was held at the Sunset Funeral Home on September 4 with family members. A memorial service will follow on September 7 at the Sunset Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens.
Memorial Service
Date: Wednesday, September 7th at 2:00 PM CDT (Visitation begins at 1:00 PM CDT)
Location: Sunset Funeral & Memorial Gardens (8800 N. Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, IL 61115)
Facebook Stream: https://www.facebook.com/SunsetFuneralHomeIL
Cards and condolences may be sent to:
Landreth Family
2859 Bluffside Dr., Rockford, IL 61109
In Memory of Gary Young
Gary Young
Spouse: Maria Young
Children: Alessandra and Austin
Birthdate: June 21, 1952
Blessing: November 29, 1997
Ascension: August 18, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: September 4, 2022
Gary Young was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Lafayette, Indiana as the third of six sons. When Gary was a high school freshman, his dad was offered a position with the Engineering faculty at Arizona State University, and the family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. His childhood summers consisted of driving across the United States—shoved between five other boys in the back of a station wagon—visiting National Parks and camping in the woods. In high school, Gary discovered his love for golf, spending most afternoons playing in the Arizona heat. In college, he continued to play on the ASU golf team.
From early on in his life, Gary had a real sense of God's love for him and was always reading and searching for a deeper relationship with this love. His religious life truly began in 1973 when someone invited him to hear Rev. Moon give a speech in Phoenix. This speech touched him deeply. In 1975, he joined the church, working on a Global IOWC team. Gary did street witnessing in NYC and helped prepare for the Yankee Stadium and Washington Monument speeches, where he oversaw a fleet of vehicles and trucks. Later, he joined the Oakland Church, where his mission was street witnessing and driving guests back and forth to various workshops.
In 1979, Gary was assigned to serve as Rev. Kwak's driver, spending a lot of time in Belvedere. During his time at Belvedere, he had many personal experiences with Rev. Moon, Mrs. Moon, and their older children.
Dealing with some health issues, Gary moved back to Arizona in 1981, where he finished his undergraduate degree and earned his master’s in international development. He knew he would be able to serve the church better with his education completed.
In 1985, Gary returned to New York to work at IRFF on funding mission projects. He returned to his role as Rev. Kwak's driver for several months and was able to attend the first Assembly of World Religions seminar. He was in the room when the Religious Youth Service was announced, and on the drive back to New York City, Rev. Kwak assigned Gary to be the first project manager for RYS.
The many years spent developing RYS were very enriching, and Gary found a deep purpose for True Parents’ providence and his own potential. Every year, there would be a service project in a different country with young leaders from around the world, representing different religions and developing international relationships.
In 1994, Gary permanently moved back to Arizona. He started a wireless telecommunications business with one of his brothers, where his studies of land development came in handy. In 1997, he was blessed to Maria Young in Washington D.C. His two children, Alessandra and Austin, were born in 2000 and 2001. Gary instilled his deep love for nature in his children, retracing his childhood visits to over 80 National Parks and Monuments.
Gary was the kindest, most generous person that you could know, always cheering for the success and happiness of others. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2022, Gary celebrated his 70th birthday before ending his days surrounded by loved ones. In all that he did, he held onto his conviction that, “the truth will set you free—never give up.”
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Sunday, September 4, 2022 at 11:00 AM PST
Location: Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery (401 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257)
Cards and condolences may be sent to the family at: 8634 E Via De Viva, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
In Memory of Robert Schmitt
Robert Leroy Schmitt
Spouse: Rhonda Schmitt
Children: Mindy, Michael, Emily, Eric
Birthdate: July 25, 1948
Blessing: December 22, 1976
Ascension: July 19, 2022
Robert “Bob” Leroy Schmitt was a loving husband, brother, uncle, father of four and grandfather of four. He left this world too suddenly on July 19, 2022. Born on July 25, 1948, in Peoria, IL to Leroy Harlan Schmitt and Mamie Irby Black, Bob was the elder brother of Thomas Schmitt of Peoria, IL.
Bob’s favorite memories of his childhood were playing cowboys, and later playing army, with his friends and brother. He spoke often of visits to his aunt in Marietta, OK, where he rode the famed Super Chief train. In high school, he ran track and field and was a pitcher for the baseball team. He participated in Boy Scouts for many years and excelled in his studies.
Bob went on to Wabash College and earned a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology. During his college years, he met Rhonda at a summer job, and they were married in June of 1970. This, however, was during the Viet Nam war, and Bob was soon called to serve in the military. After basic training, he was assigned to a medical unit and spent most of his service at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he counseled soldiers returning from the war as well as their families.
It was in Kansas in 1973 that Bob and Rhonda met members of the Unification Church and were called to lead a missionary life. They received the Marriage Blessing in December, 1976. In the early days Bob pioneered as state leader in Idaho and would recall the days of going on bicycles to fundraise with peanuts. He attended the Unification Theological Seminary and graduated as a part of the second class.
During Bob’s time pioneering in England, his and Rhonda’s first daughter, Mindy, was born in New York, where they lived before moving to Belleville, NJ in 1982. He worked for Going Up Press and later as a pressman for Noticias del Mundo. Later, when the church began an elementary school, he moved on to teaching and working at summer camps, and he finally got certified as a special ed teacher. Bob worked at Clifton High in New Jersey for 13 years. He was a popular teacher who loved his students but had to retire early due to health problems.
Bob loved music, especially blues and rock-and-surf rock, and he was a proficient blues guitar player. The neighborhood around the house would often ring with blaring blues riffs coming from inside his room. He loved his family and spent much time with his kids in their younger years playing outside, going to parks, riding bikes and having epic water balloon fights. He had a great sense of humor and a playful side that everyone loved. In later years, he enjoyed visiting with and playing with his grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as “Grandpa” and “Pop-Pop.”
Bob also had a great love of animals, and he became somewhat of an icon in the neighborhood as he cared for a colony of stray cats he dubbed “Kittyville.” His own two cats, and his dog, Sanders, also brought him much joy. He often remarked on the miracles of creation that his animals represented and couldn’t understand how anyone could deny God’s existence.
Bob is survived by his wife, Rhonda; four children, Mindy, Michael, Emily and Eric; and four grandchildren, Charlie, Luc, Ben and Cooper; his brother, Tom, and family; many extended family members and friends who he’s touched over the years; and his furry children, who will no doubt miss him greatly.
Seonghwa Ceremony
A small Seonghwa service was held at the Clifton Family Church on July 22 with family members. A memorial service followed on July 29 at the Clifton church with the Wonjeon ceremony at Crest Haven memorial park in Clifton.
Cards and condolences may be sent to:
Schmitt Family
417 Cortlandt St.
Belleville, NJ 07109
In Memory of Rosmarie Hack
Rosmarie Hack (Beumer)
Spouse: Benjamin Hack
Children: Chaim, Adalia, Elisa
Birthdate: October 23, 1947
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: August 20, 2022
Rosmarie (Rosi) Hack was born on October 23, 1947 in Mulheim, Germany. She lived there with her parents until she was 12 years old. Her father worked for NATO and was stationed in America. She came to America on a boat in 1960. Her family moved to Maryland, and Rosmarie went to Walt Whitman High school. In 1965, she met the Unification movement in Washington DC, but she left America to pursue her college degree in Germany. Then in 1969, she met the Unification movement again in Germany and felt compelled to join. Rosi pioneered many cities in Germany and has many spiritual children that joined and remain members today.
In 1973, Rosmarie joined her friends on a mission trip back to America. She worked for many years as a secretary and bookkeeper in New York. She was matched (engaged) in 1979 to Benjamin Bruce Hack, and in 1982 they were blessed in marriage in Madison Square Garden. When Rosmarie and Benjamin started their family, they moved to Brooklyn to raise their children. They spent 13 wonderful years there and had three children, Chaim, Adalia and Elisa.
After 13 years in Brooklyn, they decided to move to Westchester, New York. After Rosmarie and her family moved to Westchester, she opened her home to host numerous young people and friends. Rosmarie created a tradition of having family dinners every night, and she and Benjamin planned a family trip every year. When the children were older, Rosi returned to work, serving as activities specialist at a nursing home in their hometown.
At different times in her life, Rosmarie struggled with depression. However, she helped many members with her special strengths, such as her compassion and empathy. She counseled many families and friends. She was always devoted to God, her family and helping others.
Rosmarie is survived by husband Benjamin Hack; son Chaim, wife Laura and three children Aaron, William and Eliana; daughter Adalia and husband Reony, with son Ryden; and youngest daughter Elisa. Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren and countless people whose hearts she touched.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 10:00 AM (Viewing begins at 9:00 AM)
Location: Pierce Funeral Home (9609 Center St, Manassas, VA 2011)
Wonjeon Ceremony: 1:30 PM at Ft. Lincoln Cemetery in our National Wonjeon (8401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722)
Live Stream: https://youtu.be/goDO93gEnVw
Obituary: https://www.piercefh.com/m/obituaries/Rosmarie-Hack/Memories
Address to send cards and flowers: Adalia & Reony Tonneyck 9709 Brent st Manassas VA 20110
In Memory of John Lombaerde
John Lombaerde
Spouse: Kazuko Lombaerde
Children: Michelle
Birthdate: January 31, 1956
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: June 28, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: July 2, 2022
John Lombaerde was born in Hackensack, New Jersey on January 31, 1956 to Charles Lombaerde and Gertrude Moore Lombaerde. He has three younger sisters – Laura, Janet, and Carol. John grew up as an avid reader and would read anything he could get his hands on from the local library. John was on the high school gymnastics team and played the clarinet in the high school marching band. He was also involved in the Boy Scouts of America where he became an Eagle Scout.
After his high school graduation from Ridgewood High School in 1974, he went to The College of William & Mary for three years where he studied Psychology. But John always had a passion for languages. This desire to learn more French and explore the history of his ancestors led him to make the decision to move to the southern coast of France. After a year of living in France, John enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley where he majored in French. It was at Berkeley where he met his spiritual mother Leona Didsbury.
John joined the Oakland church in 1979. He was part of the National MFT for three and a half years. He was one of the top sellers while on MFT. On July 1st, 1982, he met his future wife, Kazuko, at the 2,075 Couples Blessing at Madison Square Garden. John then moved on to join the IOWC witnessing team. In 1988, John and Kazuko moved back to John’s home state of New Jersey where he began working at Seilo Machinery as a computer software programmer. In 1992, John and Kazuko welcomed their daughter, Michelle.
John was employed as a computer software programmer for many years, working at different companies, such as American Standard and Nobel Biocare. A few years ago he made a career shift to become a buyer for an eCommerce platform. John loved to talk to people, so in this new role, he thrived on developing relationships with clients.
On Saturday, June 25, John was suddenly rushed to the hospital where the doctors found a very large and acute blood clot in his lungs. He fought valiantly until the end and passed on Tuesday, June 28, with his wife and daughter by his side.
John will always be remembered for his kind and generous heart. He was hard-working, dedicated, devoted, selfless, joyful, and, most of all loved and cared deeply for his family and friends. John loved to make people smile. If you knew him at all, you’d know he always had a joke at the ready. His warm smile and loving character are eternally etched into our memories.
He is survived by his loving wife Kazuko and daughter Michelle, as well as his three wonderful sisters.
A fundraiser has been set up to help the family cover the cost of his memorial service and hospital bills. If you would like to offer a donation to support the Lombaerde family, please follow the link below.
Make a Donation: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-john-lombaerde
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: July 2, 2022
Location: Clifton Family Church
In Memory of Asa Pascal
Asa Pascal
Birthdate: May 7, 1935
Blessing: August 25, 1995
Ascension: July 10, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: July 18, 2022
Contributed by Asa’s Family
Asa Earl Paschal, the fourth of five siblings, was born May 7, 1935 in Spartanburg, S.C. to Tom Webb Paschal, Sr. and Erleen Eigner Paschal. He left this earthly plane on July 10, 2022. Asa was preceded in death by his mother and father, two siblings: Tom Webb Paschal, Jr. and Marjorie Maxine Paschal. He leaves to mourn his departure from our world to the spirit world, two sisters; Clara Paschal Gordon and Erleen Estelle Paschal, many nephews, nieces, great and grand nephews, nieces and cousins.
Asa spent his formative years in Charlotte, N.C attending Alexander Street Elementary and Second Ward High. Before going on to higher education, Asa spent three years in the United States Army. Completing his education, he went on to Mecklenburg (formerly Carver) College where he graduated top of his class. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from UNC-Charlotte with honors while working full time as a postman. Asa retired from the Post Office and went on to receive his Masters in Poetry from Columbia University in New York City. Asa is listed in the Charlotte Public Library as one of North Carolina’s poets. He has published numerous poems and prose including a book of poetry entitled Public Poems.
Asa was raised in what is now known as First Baptist Church-West in Charlotte, NC. He joined the Unification Church, now know as The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, in 1976 and was a faithful member, canvassing over the United States as a missionary and writing for their publications. Asa was Blessed in marriage on August 25, 1995 as part of the 360,000 couples at the Grand Ballroom of the New Yorker Hotel. In his latter years he served as a missionary with the Charlotte Family Church until his death.
The family thanks Asa’s loyal friend, church member and neighbor, Donald Bramwell, who went the extra mile to aid and care for our loved one. We, the family, thank the members of the Unification Church, (FFWPU), who visited often and sent up prayers. We thank Levine & Dickson Hospice of Huntersville for their tender loving care. The family also thanks all of the many doctors, nurses, CNA’s and social workers who helped to make Asa’s last days, weeks and months bearable. We Love You!
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: July 18, 2022
Location: Alexander Funeral Home (1424 Statesville Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206)
Visitation: 11:00 AM
Seonghwa Ceremony: 12:00 PM
There will be a repast meal at the Charlotte Family Church for family members directly after the service.
In Memory of Betsy Hunter
Elizabeth Louise (Drapcho) Hunter
Spouse: Richard Hunter
Children: David and Nathan
Birthdate: July 29, 1949
Blessing: February 8, 1975
Ascension: June 27, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: July 2, 2022
Elizabeth Louise Drapcho was born on July 29, 1949 to Emro Joseph Drapcho and Louise Martha Luckovich in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. She was the second born of six siblings: Judy, Barbara, Rosemary, Marilyn, Nancy and Donald. Elizabeth, who became known as Betsy very early on, went to Saint John’s the Evangelist Parochial School in grades 1-8, where she was taught by the Order of the Sacred Heart nuns. She graduated from Bellefonte Senior High School in 1967.
Betsy went to Strayer Business College in Baltimore, Maryland, where she earned an associate’s degree in 1969. In the summer of 1970, Betsy met the Unification Church while visiting her former roommate from Strayer. From 1971 to 1975, Betsy worked as secretary to two Presidents of the Unification Church of America, Farley Jones and Neil Salonen. As an executive secretary in the nascent Unification Church, Betsy frequently traveled with Reverend Moon on his speaking tours, often eating meals with him at fine dining establishments like Pizza Hut and McDonald’s.
On February 8, 1975, True Parents Blessed Elizabeth with Richard Read Hunter in Seoul, South Korea in the 1800 Couple Blessing. Shortly afterward, Betsy traveled to Jamaica as a foreign missionary where she spent a year teaching reading, typing and business psychology at Duff’s Business College for women. While she was there, she organized a field trip for her students to have high tea with the Governor General of Jamaica.
Betsy returned to the states in 1976 and started working for a law firm in Washington, DC. Two years later her first son, David, was born in Annandale, Virginia. Five years later, her second son, Nathan, was born.
After the birth of her children, Betsy spent the next three and a half decades supporting church businesses and organizations such as the Universal Ballet Academy, The Washington Times, and the Women’s Federation for World Peace. She was known to be extremely professional, a proficient and efficient task manager, and a reliable assistant in every job she held. Toward the end of her life, Betsy helped longtime family friends Dan and Chris Stein build a successful business, the Silver River Property Management Company, where she stayed until her retirement in 2021.
Betsy was known to be loving, compassionate, generous, dedicated, devoted—and fiercely stubborn. Perhaps it was these qualities that gave her the strength and courage to make a success out of an often difficult marriage, and raise two sons, David and Nathan, who were a source of great pride and joy. Despite their difficulties as teenagers and young adults, they both inherited her best qualities—and her stubbornness. In her final years, her favorite pastime was doting on her grandchildren, David and Annalise. She especially enjoyed FaceTime calls and playing board games during their visits. Betsy also felt a deep kinship with her siblings and had hoped to return to her hometown to spend her twilight years closer to her sisters.
Betsy’s son Nathan tragically passed in 2017, and her husband Rick followed seven months later. She is survived by her son David, her daughter in law Mitsuru, her grandchildren, David and Annalise, and her six siblings. Elizabeth Louise Drapcho Hunter will be remembered as a loving sister, a devoted member of her faith community, and a beloved wife, mother, and Grandma.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 11:00 AM
Location: The Washington Times Building, Arbor Ballroom (3600 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002)
The Won Jeon Ceremony begins 1:00 PM at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, (8401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD 20722)
Donations are being collected to support funeral and burial services: https://gofund.me/b6a19c46
In Memory of Kazuko Kitano
Kazuko Kitano
Spouse: Yoshiaki Kitano
Children: Emiko Beltrami
Birthdate: November 3, 1943
Blessing: October 21, 1970
Ascension: June 26, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: July 4, 2022
Kazuko Kitano was born as the second daughter of Mr. Ippei Ogata and Mrs. Natsumi Ogata on November 3, 1946, in Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City. Kazuko has an older sister, Yoko, who is part of the 777 blessing couples.
Her father, Ippei, died at the age of 33, when Kazuko was six years old. Ippei was a devout Catholic who left a rosary and a Bible to his daughters.
Kazuko grew up with God and Jesus from a young age, and partly because of that influence, Kazuko had the faith that her father showed her. She had been protected and raised by God, Jesus, as well as Mary to the point of being fastidious.
In 1965, she worked in the Marine Insurance Company in Sendai city. Kazuko's older sister, Yoko, introduced her to the Divine Principle in July and participated in the 27th Special seminar. Soon after the workshop, she met with True Parents, which influenced her to join the Unification church.
She soon became the head office personnel and took charge of editing and typist roles in the cultural department in the Japan church. Later, Kazuko worked as a team leader as well as a lecturer at the Takarazuka Training Institute Education Department in Tokyo. Plus, she received numerous amounts of guidance from Shudo Sensei, Oyamada Sensei and other senior members during the pioneering days of the church in Japan.
Although Kazuko was of strong faith and zealous obedience, she suffered from a serious illness in her childhood and went to the hospital regularly.
Kazuko was blessed with Yoshiaki Kitano at the 777 Couples Blessing on October 21, 1970. After receiving the Blessing, the two worked to explore new areas of the church and solve the most difficult problems.
Kazuko also pioneered Sekai Nippo, the World Daily news publication and Issin Hospital. In February 1983, Kazuko and her husband were appointed as directors of the "Umi no Hotel Nakataya" in Atami. They later received countless awards from traveling agents and the mass media for their work.
One of the most memorable moments in Kazuko’s life was when her couple welcomed True Mother in May 1986 at the Hotel and provided the best hospitality to her. Their daughter, Emiko, was born around the same time and was later happily blessed with David Beltrami in Washington, D.C on March 3. 2015.
Although Kazuko had been physically weak since she was young, she was determined to travel to help Emiko’s recovery after pregnancy. She spent happy moments holding a baby shower to celebrate her granddaughter, she toured the world-renowned Niagara Falls, and she celebrated the 13th anniversary memorial service for her husband, Yoshiaki.
However, Kazuko collapsed and was hospitalized on the night of Saturday, June 25th. Emiko had been able to react quickly and save her mother’s life. Unfortunately, the following day in the hospital, Kazuko suffered a seizure and ascended to the spirit world on Sunday, June 26th.
She may not have spent much time living with David and Emiko, however, during the time they did spend together, they could see that she always thought of others before herself. She would love to wake up in the morning and catch a glimpse of a deer, a chipmunk or a bird in the backyard. Often times, she would politely ask if David and Emiko needed anything when they wanted to offer that generosity to her. She had improved her physical stability to a point where they were able to take her to Niagara Falls and to Emiko’s alma mater, SUNY Plattsburgh. They wanted her to have a place to call home, with no need to travel anymore. During the months they were together as a family, David and Emiko were looking for an affordable place that had an in-law suite, so Kazuko could have space as a part of their family. They’re desire as a couple is to model their lives with the generosity and kindness Kazuko showed everyone.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: July 4, 2022 at 5PM EST
Location: Huffman Funeral Home and Crematory (2020 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle, PA 17013)
Cards and condolences can be sent to the family:
26 E Winding Hill Rd Unit B Mechanicsburg PA 17055