Obituary for Kentaro Akao

Kentaro Akao, born on June 8, 1983, in Park Ridge, Illinois, passed away on February 3, 2026, in Irvine, California, at the age of 42.

Kentaro grew up in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, where he attended Fremd High School. He later earned degrees in both physics and engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). With a deep passion for automotive engineering, he built a distinguished career as an engine development engineer, contributing his expertise at Honda R&D, Nissan, and most recently at Karma Automotive in Irvine, California. His colleagues knew him as a thoughtful, capable, and dedicated engineer who approached his work with sincerity and quiet determination.

Kentaro is survived by his parents, who reside in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and by his two sisters, who also live in Illinois. He will be remembered with enduring love by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His gentle spirit, kindness, and steady presence touched many lives and will be profoundly missed.

Funeral and cremation arrangements are being handled by O'Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills, California.