Obituary of Mark Asada

Mark Asada was born on August 10, 1925 in Dinuba, California and passed away on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey at the age of 96. He had been an active member of the Seabrook Buddhist Temple and the local Japanese American community since arriving in Upper Deerfield Township in 1945. Mark graduated from Dinuba High School in May 1942 completing his school requirements after 3 years sensing war might break out with the Empire of Japan. Then after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he and his family, along with 120,000 other Japanese Americans, were incarcerated during World War II per Executive Order 9066 to Poston, Arizona (Camp III) from August 1942 to August 1945. His future wife, Itsuko Taniguchi was also incarcerated in Poston, AZ (Camp II). Upon release from the incarceration camp in Poston, Mark and his mother and father resettled to Seabrook, New Jersey. He married Itsuko Taniguchi on Valentine’s Day in 1953 and worked at Seabrook Farms for 20 years. He later transferred to the U.S. Postal Service and worked as a postal clerk in Vineland, NJ. He retired as a civil service employee after 25 years of service. Mark was a life-long member of the Seabrook Buddhist Temple, and was a tireless worker to help out in various Japanese social and cultural activities at the temple. His major passion in life was to “spoil” his (2) grandchildren whenever he could. Although he might have been separated from them physically, he was always able to maintain communications with them via the email. Up until the time of his passing, he would check his email account at least (3) times a day if not more to see how they were doing. Mark is survived by his son Michael Asada and his wife Kim Asada, and grandchildren Matthew and Mikki. The family will receive visitors for viewing at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp. on Saturday, September 4, 2021 from 12:00-1:00 PM. The memorial service will begin there at 1:00 PM followed by a reception at Olivet United Methodist Church in Pittsgrove, NJ immediately thereafter. The family requests that in lieu of any flowers, donations be made to the Seabrook Buddhist Temple, Inc., 9 Northville Road, Bridgeton, NJ 08302. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.