2005 engineering graduate dies of cancer in Japan

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Daniel Shinozaki, who graduated from St. Thomas in 2005, died Sunday, Feb. 21, of colorectal cancer. (Photo courtesy of Shinozaki's Caring Bridge Web page)
Daniel Shinozaki, who graduated from St. Thomas in 2005, died Sunday, Feb. 21, of colorectal cancer. (Photo courtesy of Shinozaki's Caring Bridge Web page)

St. Thomas graduate Daniel Shinozaki died Sunday, Feb. 21, in Nagoya, Japan.

Shinozaki, who attended Rosemount High School and graduated from St. Thomas in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, was battling colorectal cancer and undergoing chemotherapy while in Japan.

A small funeral was held Wednesday for family and close friends. A larger funeral will be held Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Shinozaki residence in Japan, and a memorial service in Minnesota is currently being planned.

During his time at St. Thomas, Shinozaki was an officer with the sailing team.

“What I do remember about Dan was just a real joie de vivre,” said Tom Hodgson, who advised the sailing team while Shinozaki participated. “He seemed to bring a joy and happiness to everything he did with the sailing team.”

Associate professor Michael Hennessey taught Shinozaki engineering graphics in spring 2002.

“He was a quiet student,” Hennessey said. “That is how I remember him; friendly and mild-mannered.”

Rebecca Omastiak can be reached at omas5009@stthomas.edu.