Tokutami Ishikawa

We are deeply saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Tokutami Ishikawa of Farmingdale, New York, on Sunday, May 17, at the age of 91. He was surrounded by the love of his wife, sister, children, nieces, and nephews at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bethpage, New York.

After 40 wonderful years of marriage, Tokutami leaves behind his devoted wife, Carol Ishikawa of Farmingdale. He is also survived by his loving children and their spouses: Kev (Mickey), Cate (Danos), and Joseph (Eileen). He will be dearly missed by his beloved sister, Kyoko Honey Frazier, and brother-in-law John Kossman (Marie Kossman). Tokutami was a proud and loving grandfather to his only granddaughter, Rachel Rose Lawrence (Daniel Lawrence), and cherished the precious time he shared with his great-granddaughter, Noa Rose Lawrence. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and lifelong friends whom each were held close in his heart.

Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Tokutami attended Wilbur Cross High School and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University. Following college, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base. During his service, he worked as a weather specialist in Japan, where he was grateful for the opportunity to spend meaningful time with his late uncle, Tokutataro, and his family.

Upon returning home, Tokutami married his late wife, Dedrie Ann Watson, and together they raised their three children in Islip, New York. He dedicated much of his professional life to education, beginning as a special education teacher in Commack, where he found deep purpose in supporting and inspiring students with special needs. He later became a physical education teacher at Northridge Elementary School before serving as Dean of Discipline at both Commack North and Commack South High Schools, where he remained until his retirement.

Tokutami embraced life with passion and joy. He loved sports, especially the New York Yankees, traveling and disco dancing with his wife Carol, karaoke and a cappella singing, and spending time crabbing and fishing on Mecox Bay in Water Mill. Above all else, he treasured bringing family and friends together and creating lasting memories with those he loved.

We find comfort in knowing that Tokutami is reunited with many beloved family members who passed before him, including his late wife, Dedrie Ann Watson; his parents, Idnujiro and Constance Ishikawa; his brothers Kazutami and Mitzuki; and his sisters Renko Barnes and Kikue Ishikawa.

His kindness, warmth, humor, and love for family will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at Arthur F. White Funeral Home, 315 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735, US, on May 22, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Visitation will also be held at Arthur F. White Funeral Home, 315 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735, US, on May 22, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with 8:00 PM~ Words of Remembrance.

Final resting place will be at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale.