Michio Sato

August 14, 1953 – August 6, 2025

Michio Sato passed away suddenly on Wednesday, August 6, at his home in Nutley, New Jersey. He was 71 years old. He is survived by his beloved son, Shinji.

Born on August 14, 1953, in Iwamizawa, Hokkaido, Japan, Michio was the middle of three brothers born to Haruo and Keiko Sato. He grew up in a humble mining town, where he developed a deep connection with animals. As a boy, he raised carrier pigeons on the rooftop of his family’s warehouse. A story often retold by his family recalls his heartbreak when a cat entered the coop and killed most of the pigeons—he cried deeply. This loss revealed his gentle and compassionate nature.

In 1963, Michio’s mother was introduced to the Unification Church through her older sister, Miki Sato. After graduating from high school, Michio worked at a motor vehicle factory in Shinagawa, Tokyo, while studying engineering at night school. During this time, he encountered the Unification Church and joined after a seven-day retreat in May 1973.

Michio’s mother once dreamed of him draped in an American flag—a vision that would prove prophetic. In 1976, he moved to the United States, a decision that deeply saddened his parents. Since he would not return to Japan for 19 years, when he finally visited with his wife and son.

In the United States, Michio dedicated himself to church activities, traveling across the country to witness and support major events, including the Yankee Stadium rally of 1976 and the renovation of the New Yorker Hotel.

In 1978, together with a small group of church members, Michio helped lay the foundation for a fish business in New York City. Starting with only $100 in seed money from True Father, they purchased seafood wholesale and sold it directly to customers from boxes. Over time, their efforts grew into what is now True World Foods New York. Michio continued his career in seafood purchasing until 2020, when declining health forced him to retire.

Throughout his career, Michio was known for his tireless work ethic. He left home at midnight to visit the fish market, returning in the afternoon. In his personal life, he was humble and selfless, donating money generously. He rarely spent on himself for new clothes, furniture or to go to restaurants – rather he always prioritized the needs of his family, friends, and community.

Michio will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and steadfast devotion to God, True Parents, and his family. He lived a simple yet profound life, leaving behind a legacy of humility, kindness, patience, and love. A loving husband, son, brother, and father, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He now joins his beloved wife, who preceded him in passing, in the eternal world.

This fundraiser is being setup to support his memorial and funeral services.

We thank you deeply for your generosity in this time of need.

Shinji Sato

Viewing will be from 9AM-10AM on August 12th at the New Jersey Family Church, 78 Demott Avenue, Clifton, NJ.

Seonghwa Ceremony will be from 10:30AM-12PM on August 12th at the New Jersey Family Church. Won Jeon Ceremony (Interment) will follow the conclusion of the Seonghwa Ceremony. It will be at East Ridgelawn Cemetery, 255 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07014.