Toru was born on April 4, 1931 to Naomasu and Sui Tanita in Phoenix, AZ.
He was the twelfth of thirteen children, and a second-generation Japanese American.
Toru attended Glendale High School in Glendale. He went to Phoenix College and played on the football team /the team won the championship in their division. He attended the University of Arizona where he received a degree in Agriculture. He went on to Thunderbird Graduate School for one year and took business courses.
On June 26, 1965, Toru married Betty Oda, daughter of Satoru and Sumi Oda.
Toru was in the Air Force and served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1954.
He worked with his brothers at Tanita Farms for many years.
Toru attended the Phoenix Japanese Free Methodist Church for many years and faithfully served as an usher. He loved attending the Venture Church as well.
Toru is survived by his wife Betty, children Eric (Rebecca) & Cheryl (Sonny Hong), two brothers Watty & Stome, four granddaughters Kayla, Gabrielle, Evan & Astrid and numerous nieces and nephews.
He enjoyed golfing, playing basketball, attending sporting events (Phoenix Suns and ASU games) with his family and friends. Toru loved spending time with his granddaughters and enjoyed attending his nieces’ activities.
Family and friends are invited to gather from 9-10AM on Saturday, May 5, 2018 with a memorial service following at 10AM at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale.
