Michael F. Tanabe

Michael Francis Tanabe died at home in Little River, SC, on September 9, 2025, surrounded by his adoring family. Over the past decade, he burned through more lives than a cat. Despite enduring ever more harrowing health issues, he fought valiantly to the very end.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Claire (née Sahut) and Henry Tanabe, Michael attended Pratt Institute in New York City and spent decades as a creative studio manager. Endlessly talented, curious, and clever, he earned the nickname “MacGyver” at work, able to rig together nearly anything. He was a master of prop and costume design — his kids’ science fair projects looked suspiciously professional, and their Halloween costumes were borderline terrifying.

Following graduation, he became a seaman and fire control technician (gunfire control) on the USS Myles C. Fox in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1977. Once his hair grew back, he wasted no time marrying Joan (née Trezza) just two months later. Together, they shared 48 years of perseverance, humor, and love. Michael often comforted Joan with the words, “Hasn’t it always been you and me?” and “Don’t be a-scared. Close your eyes.” He also found joy in life’s simplest moments and loved being a dad to their two daughters and a serial owner of unruly dogs — most recently Frankie II, who is likely still searching the house for him.

Quiet, observant, and kind, Michael’s perfectionism was both a blessing and a curse to everyone around him. He loved figuring out how things worked and never stopped tinkering, repairing, and building nearly everything in the family’s homes. He never had much disposable income and yet lost wallets seemed to gravitate towards him as if a test (he returned every single one).

He loved history, science fiction, movies, and discounted baked goods. He admired and often quoted Thomas Edison (“Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration”), drank an impressive amount of coffee, and delighted in torturing his family with country music on long car rides.

He was known for his immaculate penmanship, which impressed his children’s teachers to no end, and spent at least 15 years with a giant video camera on his shoulder, documenting every holiday and life event. A talented photographer, he turned the annual family holiday card into a production worthy of its own crew and budget.

Michael was the quintessential NYC fast walker, usually a good 10 feet ahead of his slow-poke family. He was an avid letter writer documenting his grievances with meticulous detail, wit, and helpful suggestions, in particular to the NYC Metropolitan Transit Authority, which he believed he could run better himself. He appreciated art, beauty, and irony, and could not abide stupidity or people shouting into cell phones in quiet spaces. He also had a deep, inexplicable love of marching band music. Michael was fiercely loyal, caring, and chivalrous, offering to drive his wife and daughters long after losing his ability to walk, and always putting others before himself.

Michael is survived by his wife Joan; his daughters Lauren Tanabe (Jacob Longton) and Jessica San Souci (Michael San Souci); four grandchildren, Grace (11), Lucy (7), and twins Michael and Zoey (10 months); his sister, Claire Maguire (Ben Maguire); his nieces Christy and Elizabeth and their families; and countless projects he never quite finished but was definitely going to get to.

If anyone could find a way back to us, it would be Michael — and knowing him, he’s already halfway through building a contraption to cross space and time. Don’t be a-scared. Close your eyes.

Lee Funeral Home and Crematory of Little River is serving the family.