Masaru Takeshita passed away peacefully on September 4, 2021 at age 89, in Stony Brook, NY. Born in Yoshitomi, Japan in 1932, he achieved a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Tokyo Kyoiku University. In the late 1960s, Masaru left a large Japanese pharmaceutical company and immigrated to the United States. He engaged in postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School, and performed pharmacological research at major U.S. universities, including nearly three decades at Stony Brook University.
In addition to his academic career, he loved his family as well as composing music based on traditional Japanese literature, melodies and sounds. He also enjoyed skiing and playing tennis. Whether in medical/DNA research or producing musical compositions and CDs, Masaru preferred autonomy and creativity. He enjoyed the United States’ individual freedoms while staying very fond of his homeland. Masaru overcame many setbacks and lived his life happily, on his own terms.
He passed due to a sudden onset of COVID-19. He is survived by his wife, Yoshiko, his children, Konomi, Hayata and Yuhei, and his grandchildren, Kenta, Mariko, Ryohei and David. A memorial service will be held at a later date.