Kizio Haruta

Kizio Haruta, beloved father, Grandpa/Gramps, Jichan and good friend passed away on June, 20, 2025, at the age of 94 in his home in Escondido, California. He was born in Torrance, California to Kiichi and Satomi Haruta. He was the youngest of 5 children growing up on their farm where they harvested strawberries and raised chickens until the outbreak of World War II.

In 1942, Kizio and his family were relocated to Rohwer Internment Camp in Arkansas. After the war ended, the Haruta family relocated to the Southside of Chicago, Illinois eventually moving to the Northside of the city near Wrigley Field. Kizio attended school in Rohwer Internment Camp and later graduated Chicago Vocational School.

Kizio enlisted in the US Army and served in the Korean War from 1952-1954. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Ribbon with 2 Bronze Service Stars. He remained in the Army reserves from January 1954-April 1960.

On September 25, 1954 Kizio married Mary Eiko Nishi in Chicago, IL. They had 2 children: Sharon and Keith. They lived in Chicago until 1962 when a job transfer with Simpson Optical (later Infrared Industries, Inc) moved them to Carpinteria, California. Kizio continued to work at Infrared Industries until the mid-1980’s when he retired. He began working part-time for the US postal service and served for 8 years before fully retiring. He and Mary then moved to Escondido to be near their daughter, son-in-law and 3 grandchildren. The biggest fan to all 3 grandkids, he enjoyed traveling to their school activities, graduations and life events. Kizio was so proud to take on a new role as Jichan with the birth of his first great-grandchild Sean Kizio in 2021 and recently the birth of second great-grandchild Grace Marie.

In his younger years Kizio enjoyed bowling, golfing, traveling, gardening and growing oranges, lemons, avocados and Japanese cucumbers which all the grandchildren craved. In more recent years, Kizio enjoyed his routines and working out religiously at Personally Fit Physical Therapy & Gym. He volunteered regularly at the Vista Buddhist Temple and followed nearly every sport, baseball and basketball his favorites. He looked forward to reading his daily UT Tribune newspaper sports section which gave him much joy.

A real “delight” as many described Kizio, he will be missed “shooting the breeze” with family and friends and spreading the joy and zest for life with his humor and optimism. Kizio lived a full life and he made sure it was overflowing with family and friends. He lived life well and to the end after a valiant battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his daughter Sharon, son-in-law Gary, grandchildren Garrett, Kristen, Kara, grandchildren-in-laws Stephanie, Jaime, great-grandchildren Sean Kizio, Grace Marie, sister-in-law Jean, 5 nieces, 3 nephews and 2 grand-pups Milo and Charlie. All miss him dearly but carry on his legacy.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Kizio’s Memorial service and burial service. The Memorial service will be held at the Vista Buddhist Temple, 150 Cedar Rd # B, Vista, CA on Sunday, August 17th at 3pm. A burial service with military honors will be held at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Dr, Santa Barbara, CA on Wednesday, August 20th at 3pm. All are welcome to join us as we celebrate and remember Kizio.