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Tadao Nishioka
03/16/1938 — 04/07/2025
From Richland, WA | Born in Sacramento, CA
Graveside Service
Reception
Tadao Nishioka
It is with profound sorrow to announce the passing of Tadao Nishioka, a cherished husband,
brother and uncle. He died on April 7, 2025 at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, Washington at the
age of 87.Tad was born on March 16, 1938 to Kazuto and Kofumi Nishioka. He spent his early
years at Tule Lake California and Crystal City Texas in a Japanese internment camp during the
World War II conflict.
He graduated from Clarksburg California high school in 1957. While at Clarksburg high, he was
the starting quarterback for the football team, the starter for the basketball team and the
pitcher for the baseball team. Tad received a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical
engineering from Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo, California in 1964.
In 1970 Tad met his future wife April Yarpe and they were married July 1971 in Council Bluffs,
Iowa. They were married a few months short of 54 years.
Before moving to Richland, Washington in 1972 Tad was employed at Aerojet in Sacramento
California working on the NERVA project, a nuclear powered engine for space travel. While
employed at Hanford, Tad worked on the FFTF start up nuclear power plant and ended his
career as a safety engineer. After retirement he spent his days golfing with friends, cruises and
bus trips with family members.
Tad is survived by his wife April, brother Stan Nishioka and wife Ellen, sister-in-law Susie
Nishioka, sister-in-law, Jayne Moran,and brother-in-law Paul Yarpe. He is also survived by
nieces Elizabeth Todd, Stephanie Harwell and husband Ian, Jennifer Shimazaki and husband
Chad, Monica Lange and husband Michael,Kayla Gilliard and husband Chris; nephews Shawn
Moran, Blaze Moran and Jeremiah Lange.
He is preceded in death by parents Kazuto and Kofumi , brothers Mikeo Nishioka, Teruo
Nishioka, brother-in-law Michael Yarpe and nephew Jason Nishioka; sisters Fumiye Wright and
Janice Lee.
His legacy is kindness, compassion and commitment to family and friends. Tadao Nishioka will
be dearly missed and remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Tad was the most wonderful man God could have created.] I remember all the trips to Cannon Beach in Oregon and all the birthdays and celebrations. He will be never be forgotten. God bless and love forever
Tad,
I have been privileged to have you as my father figure for 25+ years. Your wisdom helped guide me me when I wanted to do questionable things such as buying a purple Camaro. You taught me how to make Sushi when Amber’s 3rd grade class was studying Japan and she never forgot that either.
Watching how you loved April and watched over us as we traveled the US for our nursing trainings was inspirational.
Seeing your gentle ways with my children and grandchildren and yes, Kelyse was wonderful.
You will always be in my heart and my family’s heart.
Rest now sweet man, you will always be loved.
I had attended Clarksburg HS with Tadao and remember him as super intelligent, an athlete and to me he was like rock.
My condolences to his wife April and his family.
Albeit we we’re not the closest, Tad was at my baptism and my H.S. graduation. Being there my whole life he is in my opinion, family!! He was a wonderful soul filled with kindness and understanding that blessed us all! He will be missed by those who knew him far and wide! Love you Uncle Tad! I’ll never forget you!
Tad. The silent Patriarch of our family. Always there when many times Mom Mike Paul Monica and I walked through your door never knowing where to go or what to do. You lived your life your life as God meant for his creation to be. You will be forever in our hearts and thoughts. jayne
Thank you Tad for being a part of our life. Treasured memories forever in our hearts. You will be missed. We love you
We met Tad & April in 1974 and treasured our friendship for all these years. He was part of our family. He will be missed and never forgotten.
Guestbook for
Tadao Nishioka