UPDATED: Joe Nakato Dies
Tragic news from the Springfield business and dining scene: Joe Nakato, only in his mid-to-late 30s, has died. We have confirmed the news with sources close to the Nakato Japanese Steakhouse owner, but nothing else is known.
The 417 family's thoughts go out to Joe's family.
Please respect Joe and his family in the comments, but leave them if you would like to say something.
Matt Lemmon, web editor
UPDATE:
We’ve received word from a source close to the Nakato family that a visitation for Joe Nakato is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Monday, April 27 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home (1947 E. Seminole St., Springfield, 417-886-9994). His funeral will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 28 at Park Crest Baptist Church (816 W. Repubic Rd., Springfield, 417-883-1676).
Reader Comments:
Joe Nakato was a wonderful man, I worked for him, He would have done anything and everything if you ever needed it, we will forever mourn his death.
Damn. Joe was a great guy for sure. Nakato"s just won't be the same.
Joe was a great person, and he will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to his family.
We go to Nakatos a lot on Sundays after church. Joe was always there working hard and very friendly. You could tell he was a great man to work for and cared about his customers and staff. I am so sad to hear about this. Nakatos will never be the same. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Joe was a great guy i loved working for him if ANYONE needed ANYTHING he was there for you. I will miss him a lot. I just want everyone to know that he was an amazing man, hard worker, and a great father and to always remember that. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers.
Joe Nakato was the most caring man I have ever worked for. He did so much more to take care of his employees than any boss ever would even think about doing. He was more than just a boss, he was like a good friend and treated all of us like family. I know I will never forget what he has done for me. I pray that nobody ever forgets how great of a man he has been.
I used to worked for Joe and not only was he a great boss he was a great friend....if you ever needed anything he was there for you. He will be missed by so many.
Work just wont be the same without you Joe! Thank you for always being so good to Greg and I.
-Greg and Allison Veach
R.I.P Joe, we will all miss you soooo much. You were a great boss and a great friend.
~Sara and Pierre
You were always so fun. You were always so kind to me. I'll miss seeing your smile and hearing you laugh at my silliness. Thank you for the many good times, my friend, and for being you. May you rest in peace, Joe.
My sincerest condolences to the Nakato family, Joe's other family, friends, employees...to anyone who has been touched by this wonderful, caring and giving man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a great loss we have suffered today. My heart is heavy, I am extremely sad.
Tinka