Thomas T. Uchida, 94, of Bellefonte, formerly of Westminster, Colorado, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Centre Care. Born on July 31, 1928, in Seattle, Washington, he was the son of the late Toshikiyo and Sada (Iwanaga) Uchida. On March 19, 1953, he married his beloved wife, Mary (Okagawa) Uchida, who preceded him in death in 1991, after sharing over 38 years of marriage together.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953 until he was honorably discharged in 1955 to complete the rest of his commitment in the Army Reserves. During his time in the service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. He then went to work as a Passenger Service Agent for UAL until his retirement in 1982.
He is survived by his children, Susan Knupp (Richard) of Bellefonte, Julie Griffis (Richard) of Cimarron, Colorado, and Donna Irvin (Brian) of Arvada, Colorado; seven grandchildren: Lindsay Knupp, Maya Knupp, David Griffis, Sara Nemkov, Amy Griffis, Jason Tyner, and Michael Tyner, and nine great grandchildren: James and Ellie Griffis, Hazel and Louis Nemkov, Peyton, Jameson, Janiah, Taleigh, and Odin Tyner.
In addition to his wife, Mary, and parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Miyoko Kodama.
Thomas worked at several golf shops over the years after his retirement. He loved to play golf and looked forward to playing at Belles Springs Golf Course with his son-in-law’s father, the late Dick Knupp, Sr., and good friends, Chuck Brown, Bob Royer, Pete Mason, and Bob Schaeffer.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 10-11 A.M., at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. Funeral services will begin at 11 A.M. with Pastor Keith Koch officiating. Funeral services that will be held in Colorado will be announced at a later date. Thomas will be interred beside his wife at Olinger Highland Mortuary and Cemetery in Thornton, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Thomas may be made to any of the following organizations that were very near and dear to him and his family: Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation at www.alzheimersprevention.org, American Brain Foundation at www.americanbrainfoundation.org, or to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) at www.dav.org