Dr. Mototsugu M. Morita Jr.

Dr Mototsugu M. “Junior” Morita Jr., age 95, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on November 20, 1929, in Hood River, Oregon, at the base of Mt. Hood, Junior spent his early years in the Pacific Northwest. At age 12, his life was profoundly shaped when he and his family were sent to concentration camps under Executive Order 9066, a result of discrimination against Japanese Americans during World War II. After camp, the family relocated to Chicago, where Junior built his life and lived until his passing. Junior served honorably in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman, stationed in Japan during the occupation. Upon his return, he attended Northwestern University under the GI Bill and pursued a career in dentistry. As a dentist, he provided for and supported his family with dedication and care. On August 23, 1959, Junior married the love of his life, Betty K. Morita. Together they shared 66 years of marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and faith. He was a longtime member of Christian Fellowship Church, later Ravenswood Fellowship Church, where he found community and deepened his faith. In his 50s, Junior discovered a love of singing. Whether at church, the Hood Avenue block party, or family gatherings (invited or not), his voice became a joyful expression of his spirit. He also found joy in gardening, often inviting neighbors and passersby into the backyard to admire his plants, fishpond, and handiwork. Junior is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Mark Morita (Lisa) and their son Jackson, Julie Morita (Bill Trick) and their children Megan and Jake, Paul Morita (Marin), and David Morita. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend whose humor, resilience, and generosity touched all who knew him. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 9, at 2:00 p.m. at Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., and a reception will follow the service in the church gymnasium. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Westminster Place and Unity Hospice for their compassionate care in his final days. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Japanese American Service Committee: https://jasc-chicago.org/donate/ Though Junior is no longer here physically, his love and songs live on in the hearts of his family and community. A zoom link for those who cannot attend in person is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82375149980; meeting id: 8157 6290 322

Dr. Mototsugu M. Morita Jr.

November 20, 1929 - September 9, 2025

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Dr. Mototsugu M. Morita Jr.

November 20, 1929 - September 9, 2025

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