Gerald T. Hirata

Gerry was born on June 7, 1944, in Heart Mountain, Wyoming, to Jerry and Kimiko Hirata. He grew up in Santa Clara County, where he attended school, and later moved to the Central Valley graduating from California State University, Fresno. On June 7, 1969, he married his beloved Suzanne in Fresno, California, beginning 56 years of shared faith, family, and love.

Gerry began his career with H&R Block, and went on to become a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner, serving his clients with dedication until he concluded his full-time practice. Throughout his career, Gerry also found time to teach. Teaching was not just something Gerry did - it was something he truly loved. He found genuine fulfillment in helping others understand and succeed, teaching computer classes at Sacred Heart Catholic School and inspiring students in Accounting and Economics at National University.

In the last phase of his professional career, Gerry joined the Diocese of Fresno in the Parish Financial Reporting Department. During his 10 years with the Diocese, he continued to serve as both a teacher and mentor, and was instrumental in implementing QuickBooks, a universal accounting system, for all parish offices leaving a lasting impact on the community.

When he wasn’t working or teaching, Gerry enjoyed photography, hiking in Yosemite, supporting his grandchildren at their sporting events, solving puzzles, cheering on the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, cooking, and barbecuing for family and friends.

Gerry was preceded in death by his father, Jerry; his mother, Kimiko; his brother, Michael; his sister, Cathy; and his daughter, Jennifer.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne; his children, Danielle and Alex Sands, Geoffrey and Lisa Hirata, and Amy Hirata; his brother, Melvin Hirata; and his grandchildren, Elisha Sands, Eric Hirata, Kyle Sands, Gabrielle Sands, Hayley Hirata, and Kai Hirata.

A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home (836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720).

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at The Shrine of St. Therese (855 E. Floradora Ave., Fresno, CA 93728). Inurnment will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery (264 N. Blythe Ave., Fresno, CA 93706).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hinds LifeCare (2490 W. Shaw Ave., Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711).

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Alex Habibe, the nurses and caregivers of Hinds LifeCare, and the staff of A-Plus In Home Care, Inc., for their compassionate and supportive care.