Samuel James Sato

Samuel “Sam” James Sato, 57, passed away Jan. 14, 2023 from complications after a battle with Leukemia. The oldest of three sons, he was born in San Jose California to Sam (deceased) and Rebecca Sato.

Sam, a highly decorated Master Sergeant, retired from the US Air Force in 2016. He began his career as an aircrew member on C-141s. Subsequently, he served and excelled in other specialties encompassing operations, intelligence and training. His career took him to challenging assignments around the world to include the Republic of South Korea and hot spots such as the Balkans, the Middle East as well as Central and South Asia.

While on active duty, he completed a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from California State University San Bernadino, two Associate of Arts degrees (Avionics Technology and Communications Applications) to complement his Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from San Jose State University.

Following retirement, Sam continued to work in the intelligence community as a contractor until he converted to civil service earning numerous awards and commendations. Sam was serving as the Intelligence Collection Manager for the National Intelligence Manager for Aviation and the USAF’s National Air Intelligence Integration Office when he was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2022. Following his diagnosis, he continued to work from the office and ultimately--at his request--teleworked from the hospital. To say the least, Sam’s passion and dedication to the mission was always above “100 Percent.” This translated to his battle with Leukemia, where he fought the good fight and was praised by his doctors. Although declared free of this terrible disease by his doctors, follow-on complications took his life—but he fought like the Warrior he was.

Sam’s passion for work was second only to that for his extended family which was always first. He is survived by his mother Rebecca Sato, siblings Jeffrey Sato (Geovanna), Reggie Sato (Maria), stepdaughter Jenna Shimmin (Daniel) granddaughter Amelia, nephew Jeffrey II Sato (Kerri), nieces Katherine Sato and USAF Technical Sergeant Rebekah Ruthrauff (Trevor), great-nephew Christian Sato, and great-nieces Clarissa, Sofia, Isabella, Ashlynn and Dahlia Sato.

A burial is to be scheduled at Arlington National Cemetery and a Celebration of Life Service within the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to; Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 "In memory of Samuel Sato".

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphy-funeralhomes.com for the Sato family