Mr. Mark Masao Nakata

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mark Masao Nakata, who passed away on February 2, 2026 in Fresno, California. Mark was 61 years old. Born on July 30, 1964 in Fresno, California, Mark is survived by his twin sons Mark Jr. and Jeffrey, daughter Cynthia and grandsons Ian and Noah. Mark is also survived by his parents Ted and Alice Nakata, brother Russ, sisters Kimi (Gary) and Katy, and nieces and nephews. The family takes comfort in knowing that Mark is at peace.

Mark’s lifelong passion was farming with deep family roots dating back to his great grandparents and grandparents who were early pioneers in California’s Japanese American farming. Mark was a graduate of Bullard High School and Fresno State University where he earned his B.S. degree in Agriculture Business. Mark’s early career as a produce broker led to his pursuit as a grower, packer, shipper before devoting his full time as a grower for the family farm. In recent years Mark founded his own company to provide agronomic products and services. Mark was a strong and passionate advocate for Central California growers’ water rights and was instrumental in the formation of California United Water Coalition.

Mark was a devoted father and grandfather. He was tough but fair. Mark’s greatest joys were supporting his children, especially as a girl dad supporting women’s softball. Mark was instrumental in the formation of Cen Cal Fury organization. Most recently Mark’s favorite role was that of doting grandfather because he enjoyed spoiling his grandsons with treats and taking them on special trips to the county fairs and train rides to Hanford for ice cream.

Mark will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00 am at Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 L Street, Fresno.