Kentaro Akao
June 08, 1983 - February 03, 2026
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Kentaro Akao
June 08, 1983 - February 03, 2026
Obituary
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.
15 responses to Kentaro Akao
Noriki Kawabata says:
February 10, 2026
I keep thinking about the time I studied the Bible with Kentaro. Though quiet, he was full of sincerity, and I loved his kind, caring nature. He was full of knowledge, had great initiative, and so many wonderful talents, especially when it came to car customization, we could talk about that endlessly. My heart aches at this loss. I pray that God’s comfort will be with his parents and his two sisters, and that He will hold their right hands firmly. We love you very much.
Janie Babin says:
February 10, 2026
Ai, our deepest condolences to you and your entire family. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Barnsdale Family says:
February 11, 2026
Our love and prayers for Misako, Akaoさん and Ai are given with much sadness over your loss. We never met Kentaro, but we know your family and your strength and love and humor and we are sure that was also part of who he was as well. We love you and pray エホバの comfort and His promise is where you can find peace.
Carrie Monroe says:
February 11, 2026
My deepest condolences to the Akao family. I hope you find comfort in the many messages and memories being shared here.
I saw Kentaro in the office every day. He was respectful, quiet, soft-spoken, and always willing to help. Recently, we had a meaningful conversation about family, work, and how life is often shorter than we expect. It truly is, and I am especially grateful now for having had that conversation with him.
Kentaro made a real difference at work. He knew his role thoroughly, performed it with excellence, and managed it independently — in many ways, he was a one-person department. He will be deeply missed.
Yayoi Chuang says:
February 11, 2026
I have so many memories of Kentaro, going back to when we were both young and still children… going to the zoo together with our families or playing at gatherings. He was always so kind, gentle, and thoughtful, even as he grew up over the years. We will miss Ken so much and will be keeping him in our hearts until we see him again. Sending all of our love to the Akao family.