Robert Yoshiso Hamada

Born in Honoka‘a, Hawai‘i, on June 8, 1937, Robert grew up in Wahiawa, Hawai‘i. He attended Wahiawa Elementary School and graduated from Leilehua High School. His academic journey led him to Oregon State University, where he earned a Master’s degree in Education, and he later pursued graduate studies at the University of Southern California.

Robert met his wife, Elaine Tagawa, in Norwalk, California, in 1964. They married that same year and spent 60 years together, building a life grounded in love, partnership, and shared purpose.

A dedicated educator, Robert began his teaching career at Muir Junior High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), eventually becoming the Coordinator of Mathematics Education for the district. He was deeply involved in mathematics education at the local, state, and national levels and co-authored textbooks with publishers Houghton Mifflin and Scott Foresman, leaving a lasting impact on students and teachers alike.

Robert embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing golf and basketball into his mid-60s, and cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals—his favorite team since childhood. He was a passionate fan of both college and professional sports, loved traveling to Hawai‘i and Japan, solving crossword puzzles, and cruising. One of his proudest memories was celebrating his and Elaine’s 50th wedding anniversary with a family Disney cruise.

He often said, “I did it my way,” and lived by that philosophy. Robert had a calm spirit, never one to be troubled by the little things, and always focused on the joys of life and what brought happiness and success.

Robert is survived by his wife Elaine; daughters Laurie Ann Matsumoto (Darren) and Darolyn Hamada (Greg Irwin); granddaughters Lauren Matsumoto and Cassidy Irwin; sisters Barbara Sasahara (Harry) and Jean Hamada (Eugene Okino), brother, Itsuo Hamada (Gail); and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nobuo and Ichino Hamada; brothers Nobuichi Hamada (Fujie), Shogo Hamada (Catherine), and Hiromi Hamada; and sister Rose Mahi (Moseley).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel. Interment will follow in the Meditation Cremation Garden, with a reception from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Westminster Memorial Park Hospitality Room.

Robert's memory will live on in the lives he touched—as a teacher, mentor, family man, and friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.