Joseph John Yanagisawa passed away at the age of 70 on Friday September 4th from a heart attack. He was surrounded by loved ones in NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and passed away peacefully. He resided in Wayne Township and was a long time member of the Packanack Lake Community.
Joseph was an incredible father and grandfather. He leaves behind 2 daughters, Jamie Yanagisawa and Julie Tyrell, and 7 grandchildren. He loved being a grandfather and his grandchildren loved him whole heartedly. Joe also leaves behind 3 siblings, Patricia Keane, David Yanagisawa, and JoAnne Yanagisawa. He was predeceased by his father, Dr. Kazuo Yanagisawa, his mother, Dr. Eugenia Fujita Yanagisawa, and his sister, Genie Bell.
Joe was born in New York City. But, he grew up in Bergenfield, NJ and spent summers in Berkeley, CA. After being drafted and serving his country in the Vietnam war in the signal core 2nd division 7th calvary. He graduated from William Paterson University. Joseph was a phenomenal hockey player and played for William Paterson and other leagues. Joseph was a dedicated employee of Goldman Sachs for 47 years as a Vice President and the Head of e-Discovery and Special Investigations. Joe was an avid tennis player. He played at the Packanack Lake Tennis Club and other leagues. He loved going to NY Giants games with friends and family.
Joseph brought light wherever he went, he was the rock in all situations, dependable, selfless, honest, and would stay calm and collected in the toughest situations.
Per Joe’s wishes, no funeral or service will be held. To celebrate his life, the family asks that contributions be made to Husky House in Joe Yanagisawa’s memory or any other animal shelter. He loved animals. If you would like to share a memory, a story, and/or any pictures, please send it to joe.yanagisawa.memories@gmail.com.
When I first joined GS in 2013, Joe had already established himself as a firm legend. I remember being told to speak to “Joe Y” (which meant nothing to me at the time and made for a hopeless search of the firm directory!) because Joe Y would know what to do. He did, and countless times afterwards.
Kind, patient and unfailingly down-to-earth, Joe was the colleague everyone knew and turned to when they needed help. He always had time for people and always seemed to know the answer. He will be greatly missed. RIP, Joe Y.
When I was young Joe would take me to the movies,,,as soon as a new star wars or rocky movie came out we were there… He was very good to my father in his later years. Joe would come by and put the air conditioner in the window or do some job on the house for him. Good man I’m sorry we grew apart later in life.. rest easy…..
To Joe’s Loving Family,
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your father. Joe was my friend, and it was truly a pleasure and a privilege to know him and work with him at Goldman Sachs for 25 years.
I will always remember Joe as a kind, funny, considerate, and intelligent man. Above all, I remember how much he loved and cherished his daughters and grandchildren. His family meant so much to him, and that love always came through whenever he spoke about them.
Joe and I also shared a special love for Seattle—and, of course, Dick’s Burgers. Over the years, we would casually talk and laugh about how great it would be if we could open a Dick’s Burgers in New York City. It is one of those simple memories that I will always treasure.
I feel very fortunate to have known Joe, not only as a colleague but as a friend. After 25 years of knowing and working with him, his passing is deeply felt. I will miss his kindness, his humor, and his friendship.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family. Joe will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Jewell
We were Joe’s neighbors for almost 25 years. We are shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. Joe was always so helpful and had a smile for everyone. May his memory be a blessing
Joe was a highly respected colleague, trusted partner, mentor, and friend to many across Goldman Sachs. For more than 40 years, he served as a cornerstone of the Engineering organization, leaving an enduring mark on the firm through his unwavering professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence.
As the Global Head of Legal eDiscovery, I had the privilege of working closely with Joe for the past five years. During that time, I came to know him as an extraordinary professional and an even better person. Joe possessed a remarkable depth of institutional knowledge and insight that few could match. Affectionately, I often referred to him as “The Oracle” because no matter the challenge or question, Joe seemed to have the answer, the context, or the historical perspective needed to guide us forward.
Those who worked with Joe knew they could rely on his wisdom, dedication, and steady presence. He was a kind man, an incredibly hardworking man, and truly a top-tier human being. He generously shared his knowledge, supported colleagues without hesitation, and earned the admiration and respect of everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.
Joe’s impact on the firm, the Engineering organization, and the countless people he mentored throughout his distinguished career cannot be overstated. His legacy will live on through the people he influenced, the relationships he built, and the values he exemplified every day.
On behalf of the entire Legal Department, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Joe’s family, friends, and loved ones. We will truly miss him and will forever be grateful for the privilege of knowing and working with him.
Rest in paradise, Joe. Your wisdom, kindness, and legacy will never be forgotten.
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