Matthew John Edward Kohatsu

"Sadly missed along life's way, quietly remembered every day….
No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you're always there."

Matthew John Edward Kohatsu, age 23, passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2021 in Indio, CA.
Matthew was born December 18, 1997, in Riverside CA. He spent his formative years attending
elementary school in Norco CA, and Villa Park CA. He completed Jr. High school in the CA
Homeschool Program, and he entered his freshman year at Cinnamon Hills Residential
Treatment Educational Program in Utah, and later, attended Norco High School, in Norco CA
where he was a proud and successful member of the Junior ROTC.

He was blessed with a curious and creative mind and was the recipient of many awards,
including one for the Imagination Machine Project in Sierra Vista Elementary School, and a
Science Volcano project in 6th grade at Serrano Elementary in Villa Park CA. He was extremely
proud of his group for earning the highest award for Life Skills when he attended Cinnamon
Hills. He received awards for Math Excellence, and JROTC Leadership at Norco High School.
Although self-described as just "an average guy" he had many special gifts. In addition to being
talented and gifted, Matthew was also tender hearted, displaying empathy and a desire to help.
He demonstrated his charitable heart many times over the years when he would give money to
those in need in the community who crossed his path. While in school in Utah, he frequently
volunteered for a program that provided meals for hungry families. Matthew took great pride
when assisting others with special needs, including Jimmy who has severe autism, and his
brother Andrew for many years. During the last few years of his young life, Matthew enjoyed
Andrew's visits, with messages from his mother, siblings, and family in support, and receiving
letters from his mother, which included siblings and family's special messages of love, hope,
faith and encouragement.

Matthew had a passion for video games. He also spent many hours reading books, watching
Zombie movies, preparing a meal from scratch for family, and bursting into laughter at the
names of recipes in his favorite recipe book. He participated in the after school music program
and was obsessed with learning to play the saxophone, and then exploring different musical
instruments. He enjoyed playing ping-pong, air hockey, swimming, tossing the football, running
fast, and going on walks around the neighborhoods, and times in the flower garden cracking
"hibiscus" jokes. He was a talented card shuffler and amazed many with his skills. Matthew
relished times at Chuck e Cheeses, Dave & Busters, Disney Walk, the beach, visits to the library,
and favorite restaurants. He could never get enough French Fries. He took great pleasure in
frequent visits to 31 Flavors for Ice Cream, and the neighborhood Donut shop for his favorite
multi-sprinkles donut, and then to the restaurant next door for his bag of special fortune cookies.
Matthew spent many happy hours with his family, extended family, and siblings. Across several
years, he had fun times with his Nana and late Grandpa, and late Oma. Matthew relished times
with his Nephews, Caleb and Bodhi, and Niece Audrey, several cousins and great cousins,
extended family and friends.

Matthew was packed with personality. He possessed a funny quirky sense of humor, loved to
"shock and awe". He was witty, determined, daring, humorous, creative, smart, caring, kind,
energetic, wildly imaginative, a dreamer, helpful, curious, brave, courageous, generous, loving,
persistent, charitable, compassionate, confident, diligent, empathetic, optimistic, and hopeful.
He is survived by his Mother Donna Kohatsu (James D. Peters, III), Father Michael Kohatsu,
Siblings Daniel (Marisol Kohatsu), Aimee, Janielle (Michael Tice), Andrew, and (Jimmy Peters),
Grandmothers Nancy Rossman, Aunts Deborah Rossman, Diana Richi, Evelyn Kohatsu. Uncles,
John Rossman, Jack Richi, James Kohatsu, Dave Utley. Nephews Caleb, Bodhi, Niece Audrey.
Cousins Rosalinda & Dave Ranciglio ( Anthony and Gia), Johnny & Nicole Richi (Preston and
Bailey), Joey & Nicole Richi (Irelyn, and Ravyn). Many cousins, second cousins, and (Rev.
James D. Peters, Jr.) (Ida Garrett (Peters)) extended family and friends.

Matthew was preceded in death by:

Christy Kohatsu, Sister
John A. Rossman, Master Sgt. Rinji F. Kohatsu, Grandfathers
Amalia Kohatsu, Grandmother
Edward Allread, Norwood Madere, Great Grandfathers
Alice Allread, Great Grandmother

Services

Celebration of Life
Forest Lawn in Cypress CA
Graveside Service 12:30 p.m., July 28, 2021

In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation in Matthew's honor to:
NAMA California National Alliance on Mental Health or Inland Valley Recovery Services