Thomas “Tats” Ogawa

Thomas “Tats” Ogawa, DDS, passed away in Burlingame on September 12, 2024. Born April 12, 1942, in Tokyo, Japan, he immigrated to the United States in 1955. He was a lifelong resident of the San Francisco Japantown, then Burlingame, and an active member of the San Francisco Japanese American community. Tats was a graduate of Washington High School class of 1960, then graduated UC Berkeley with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then received his Masters Degree in Engineering from the University of Southern California. He had a career in Aerospace Engineering and nuclear engineering before pursuing a career in dentistry. Tats graduated from the University of San Francisco Dental School and embarked on what would be a 40-year career in dentistry in San Francisco and San Mateo. He was a member of the San Francisco Dental Society, San Francisco Nisei Optimist Club, T58 Luncheon Club, Burlpres Church, and SF Nisei Fishing Club. He loved to fish, ski, dance, practice judo, hike, travel, and socialize.

Tats leaves behind his wife, Susan, and son, Eric; his daughter-in-law Angela, and two grandchildren, Jacob and Emma. He was preceded in death by daughter Tiffany in 1996. He was a loving father, active community member, and rambunctious friend. He will be dearly missed.