Joe Arai

Joe Arai was born in the final winter days of 1929 in Los Angeles, CA, the third child of Kyuji and Rino Arai. His family lived in the Los Angeles area until they were sent to the Tulare Assembly Center prior to being relocated to the Gila River Internment Camp during World War II. Joe graduated from Gardena High School soon after the war was over. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and spent most of his working career as an employee of the City of Los Angeles at the Hyperion (Water) Treatment Plant.

Joe is survived by his wife of 65 years, Flora, two daughters, Candace (Eugene) Yano and Joyce (Brian) Schilling, three step-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren, sister Shirley Murakami, brother Robert (Shirley) Arai and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by four siblings, Hisako, Hisao, Lilian Ohara and Ruruko Demand; brothers-in-law Kozo Ohara and Frank Murakami; and sister-in-law Mary Arai.


Family and friends of Joe are invited to share their favorite photos, video memories and heart felt messages on his Tribute page on the Green Hills Mortuary Website.