Obituary
Guest Book
1951
2012
Tommy, age 61, passed away and went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 8, 2012. Tommy was born on October 7, 1951, to Katsumi and Sally Uyemaruko.
He grew up on his family farm in west Fresno, and graduated from Central Union High School in 1969. He was on the Varsity Tennis team. He went on to graduate from California State University, Fresno in 1973. He married Karen Fujioka on November 4, 1989.
He enjoyed fishing, tennis, painting, playing the guitar, singing in his church choir, playing in the church worship band and spending time with his two dogs, Hannah and Brandy.
Tommy owned and enjoyed running his hamburger restaurant in downtown Fresno for the past 36 years.
He was a very kind and generous man, always willing to help others. He will be greatly missed by all.
Tommy is survived by his loving wife, Karen; his mother, Sally; his sisters, Jo Ann and her husband Dawson, Julie and her husband Rodney; his niece, Alisha; and his nephew, Garrett and his wife Helen; and Grant.
A Memorial Service will be held at First Chinese Baptist Church on Sunday, October 14, 2012, at 2:00 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 1, 2013
Gustavo Aparicio
He was the best hamburger cook ever he was a nice man he's hamburgers were the best
November 1, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Uyemaruko family and Karen, and especially Aunt Sally, Joann and Julie.
Tom was such a gentle, mellow soul who always had a smile for everyone. I remember when he used to come over to our apartment when Irwin and I lived on Ashlan in Fresno to swim in the pool. We spent many a hot summer on the softball field and afterwards barbecuing. Wonderful memories.
I just heard this sad news today. Please know that I am so sorry for your loss.
October 19, 2012
Ed Gallo
Tom was my best friend throughout elementary and high school. Spoke with him about a year ago. What a sad day when I got the news. Rest in peace Tommy and thanks for the precious memories from our youth. Ed Gallo
October 19, 2012
We at FCOE are saddened to know we will no longer have Tommy's Burgers and all the other menu choices to enjoy at lunch. Nor will we be seeing Tommy's smiling face over the counter. The quality of his cooking and the way he managed his restaurant was a gem in downtown Fresno. Tommy we'll miss you!
October 19, 2012
Cecil
Dear Tommy, I was shocked and sadden when I read in the newspaper of your passing. I will miss you and yes your hamburgers. I always told everyone you made the best hambergers.
I first met you at your restaurant almost 30 years ago. Although it was only friendly conversation at your restaurant, we became friends. You meet my wife and children. We talked about visiting each others home, but it never happened.
I regret not making the mundo you said you liked and the opportunity to hear and practice playing the guitar with you. Maybe we could have gone fishing, maybe I could have been there for you.
So long my friend. Cecil
October 17, 2012
Maria Serrano
So many memories over the last 22 years I visited Tommys. You will truely be missed by many. Dowtown will never be the same now that you are gone.
October 15, 2012
Rene Van Pelt
Tommy you where by far the best boss i've ever had i will never forget you opened a savings account in my name and would take alittle out of each check until i had enough saved and we went to withdrawl my savings and you took me to get my first car you had a loving soul im going to miss you!
October 15, 2012
Jean Stroud
My condolences to the Uyemaruko family.
October 15, 2012
Jeanette Roberts
My heart goes out to your family. I had the honor and privilege of waiting on Tommy several days a week for the last 21 years. He had the most genuine smile and he seemed to simply love life. His love of fishing was almost always in our conversations. He was always so nice to us. You will be greatly missed Tommy. Love from your friends at Smart & Final
October 14, 2012
Pat and Larry Frank, so sorry for your loss.
October 14, 2012
What a shock indeed! I have worked downtown for the last 36 years and had the privilege to eat at Tommy's many times. My two youngest children, now adults, loved eating there too. My office co-workers and I ate there over the years. It was nice to be able to have a burger or more recently, switching to a more healthy option of either grilled salmon or chicken teriyaki. Thank you Tommy for all of your years of service to the families and workers in downtown Fresno. No doubt, you would have made much more money in north Fresno, but you chose to stay downtown. You will always be thought of fondly by my family and I. Rest in Peace. My sincerest sympathies to your wife and family. Janie Munoz-Tafoya
October 13, 2012
Dianne K
Have not seen him for about 30 years, but what a nice guy. He is now in God's loving hands looking down on us.
October 12, 2012
I will always remember his kindness and having the best burgers in Fresno. He loved those niconico kitties he kept on the counter. I even tried to buy one off of him,cause I collect them too.What a beautiful friend. Your friends from the Courthouse,30 years+.
October 12, 2012
We are very sad and shocked to hear of Tom's passing. He was a wonderful boss to my husband and I at Orange Julius when we were teenagers. Always smiling and a great person. When my husband and I had to be downtown, we always looked forward to having lunch at Tommy's and visiting with him. We will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Uyemaruko family. From Chris and Liz Willis
October 12, 2012
Gladys Lee
Shocked and saddened about Tommy. He will be missed at FCBC by all--his presence on stage with the Praise Team playing the guitar, singing with us in choir, and his overall presence among us. A gifted, patient, and pleasant individual. The senior group, LLLC, will definitely miss trips to Tommy's Hamburgers. We looked fwd to it like kids going on a field trip. His hamburgers were the best.
October 12, 2012
Regina Montez
Tommy will truly be missed! My family is saddened by his loss beyond words.
October 12, 2012
Robert C. Aragon
Love you, Brother Tom. Rest in peace.
October 12, 2012
Brad Osato
What a shock. Although I have not seen him for many years, he was a great friend for a long time. Shared some great times together. He will be greatly missed. Gone way to early.
October 12, 2012
Leticia Perez
I love u boss and I miss you so much r.i.p
October 11, 2012
Fresno Coin Gallery
We wanted send our condolences to Tommy's family. His smiling face will be missed. We enjoyed getting to know him as neighbors at the Patterson Building. We will cherish our memories of him. Love the Fresno Coin Gallery Family.
October 11, 2012
I work in the same builing where his resturant is. We eat there always. Very sad seeing the place closed he will be missed. A very nice man.
October 11, 2012
A sad day. I have eaten at his place on and off for some 12 years. Tommy's Burgers was a great place to eat downtown. One of the few great burger joints left. His place was always clean, and always open. He provided fast service. He was always there.
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