Norman Kazuo Kimata was born on February 8, 1927 in Elk Grove, California, to the late Marian Yoshida Kimata. As a Japanese-American youth, he endured relocation to the Manzanar Internment Camp and later proudly served in the United States Army in Europe during the closing days of World War Two. The loving husband of 64 years of Dorothy Nellie (Sanson) Kimata, who preceded him in death on May 11, 2018, a performing musician and arranger, auto mechanic and business owner, he passed away peacefully on January 27 at age 97.

Norman's immense talent and love for music led him to performing in multiple marching and swing bands in occupied Berlin following the war, and upon return to the states he attended and graduated music school as an arranger. He performed and arranged throughout the northeast and midwest during the 1950's and early 1960's.

After his family grew to include four children he opened a service station in Plymouth Meeting which he operated for thirty years. His three sons and a grandson all worked for, and learned from him throughout the years in this family business. His passion for music never waned, however, and he continued to perform and arrange at many venues until shortly before his death.

Preceded in death by one grandchild, he is survived by his children Steve, Yvonne, Wes, and Tom (Lisa), eight grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday, February 7, 10 - 11 am followed by a service at 11 am, both at the George Washington Memorial Park, 80 Stenton Ave, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. Interment at the cemetery to follow.