Obituary of John Masaru Hayashi

HAYASHI, JOHN M. Greece, NY: John Masaru at age 95 passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at the Edna Tina Wilson Living Center. John was born December 19, 1918 to Japanese parents Kiichi and Riki and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. He enlisted in the United States Army February 8, 1942 at age 24, when WW II called him to duty. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the 442nd Infantry Medical Division. John was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in combat, on April 19, 1945, in Italy. Additionally, he was awarded European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal Distinguished Unit Badge and the Good Conduct Medal, July of 1945. He received his Honorable Discharge, September 26, 1945. John moved to Rochester, NY in 1945 and began his 39 year career at Haloid/Xerox. He was significant to the development of Xerography, especially the Xerox 914 Copier. Continuing his career as a Field Engineer and Technical Support Mgr., he retired as a National Service Support Mgr. in 1984. John met and married Verna E. (Fink) through the X-Y club and the Outing club of the YMCA/YWCA. John and Verna continued their "Club friendships" through the Couples Club for many decades. Married to Verna for 54 years and a World traveler after retirement, he was predeceased by her in 2003. They resided in Rochester, NY. Predeceased by his Brother, Robert (age 21, WWII - Italy), Sisters, Kimiko and Shizue of Hawaii. Survived by son, Steven (Jessica), daughter, Jan (fiancé Frederick McLean), grandchildren, Warren (Alicia), Michael, Benjamin (Jaclyn), great grandchild Ryan, brother-in-law Ralph Matsuda (Hawaii) and many dear and close friends. John will be remembered for his intelligence, ingenious creativity, meticulous attention to detail, graciousness, generosity and kind spirit. And of course, his "stories." A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014, 3:30 PM at Paul W. Harris Funeral Home, 570 Kings Highway, (South at the corner of Titus Avenue) Rochester, New York 14617. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Golisano Children's Hospital, Rochester, NY. To Share a memory or to send the family a condolence, please visit www.harrisfuneralhome.com