Saneteru Hirose

Saneteru “Terry” Hirose of Beacon, New York passed away on May 17, 2023 at 87 years old, after a brief battle with cancer.

Terry was born on April 25,1936 in Tokyo, Japan to Sanehide and Aki Hirose. He was the oldest of four sons and was preceded in death by his brothers Masayoshi in 2022 and Tsuneo who died in childhood. As an infant, Terry and his parents came to New York City by steamship so that his father could work for the family business which already had a presence in the U.S. They lived a privileged existence there for several years until tensions between the U.S. and Japan escalated and they returned to the family residence in Nagoya. After the war, the family faced much hardship with the destruction of their home and company buildings, as well as the illness and death of Terry's father when Terry was only 12 years old. They then moved to the home of Terry's maternal grandparents in Tokyo, and he helped his widowed mother take care of his younger brothers.

Terry attended International Christian University in Tokyo, where he met his wife Hisako (née Shimazu). After graduating from college, he worked for Sony which was then just a start-up. He was delighted to be transferred to New York in 1963 and Hisako soon joined him. They loved the United States, welcomed three daughters, and decided to settle in Port Washington, N.Y. to raise their family. Terry ultimately left Sony to work for himself as an international trading consultant, a job that gave him the autonomy he valued. Upon full retirement, Terry and Hisako moved to Beacon, a quiet town that is close to nature where they made many good friends.

Terry was a kind, good-natured, gentle, and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was an introvert, most happy working on projects around the house, tending to his plants and garden, caring for the family dogs, and spending time outside, especially in the woods and mountains when he was younger. Although quiet by nature, Terry enjoyed big family get-togethers and opera and lunches with Hisako and their friends. In retirement, they traveled the world and he took up pottery as a hobby, which paralleled his father’s family business producing fine china. Terry was proud of the life they created in the United States and of his children and grandchildren who would be his legacy here.

In addition to his beloved wife Hisako of 63 years, he is survived by his daughters, sons-in-law and eight grandchildren: Suki and Rob Blumenstock (Arran and Kylie) of West Caldwell, NJ; Yuki Hirose and Eric Brenner (Lucy, Sophie, Julian and Nico) of Scarsdale, NY; and Haruko Hirose and Joe McCauley (JJ and Patrick) of Tuckahoe, NY. He is also survived by his younger brother Hisakazu Hirose of Tokyo, Japan and many nieces and nephews.

His family will gather with close friends to celebrate his beautiful life at a private memorial in early June. In lieu of flowers, Terry’s family respectfully suggests a donation be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org) or to Regional Hospice of Danbury, CT (makingthebestofeveryday.org) where he peacefully passed.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the LIBBY FUNERAL HOME, 55 Teller Avenue, Beacon, New York. To offer a message of condolence or share a fond memory, please visit the tribute wall at: www.LibbyFuneralHome.com