Dr. John Akio Mitamura transitioned from this life on Monday, January 12th, 2026, surrounded by love and in the arms of his beloved Nathalie.
John Akio Mitamura was born on April 18, 1953, to Chizuko Akiyama Mitamura and Dr. Akio Mitamura on April 18, 1953, in Los Angeles, California, as a descendant of the Boyle Heights Japanese American wartime internment/incarcerated community. He loved and was influenced by his beloved stepfather, Tedowa Ohira. John’s parents preceded him in passing.
John moved to New York City, where he earned his PhD and Doctor of Medicine. He became an Orthopedic Surgeon and cared for tens of thousands of patients over the course of his forty-year career. John’s patients and staff often spoke of his kindness and caring nature. He was observant, loyal, and grounded. He believed in spiritual connection, generosity, and being prepared. John’s sheer determination, brilliance, and resilience contributed to his success. His kindness resonated throughout his working community and personal life. He enjoyed participating in many sports and earned a Black Belt in Karate under Master Min Pai. John also enjoyed many shooting sports including trap, sporting clays and cowboy shooting. He earned numerous accolades and was a success.
John loved to travel (his favorite place was Hawaii). He enjoyed trying various cuisines from around the world, but his favorite comfort foods were Guyanese food. He especially loved Guyanese style salted codfish with potatoes and roti; he also enjoyed white pudding.
John was a Free Mason and belonged to Yorktown Diamond Thistle Lodge 555 in Tarrytown, New York. He respected, loved and appreciated his brothers.
John is survived by his loving partner, Nathalie Abbensetts, his four children, Chelsea, Emily, Hanna and Matthew, two grandchildren, Violet and Anya, beloved brother Mark Mitamura, and a host of relatives and friends.
John will be dearly missed! May he rest in eternal peace.
