David Joseph Kiyonaga

David Joseph Kiyonaga, 74, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, died on February 11 from complications arising from pneumonia. He was born January 11, 1950, in Washington, DC, to Joseph Yoshio Kiyonaga, a covert CIA operative from Molokai, Hawaii, and Bina Cady Kiyonaga, from Baltimore, MD. He was the grandson of Junzo and Mary Kiyonaga of Kaunakakai. David is survived by his wife of 49 years, Deirdre (Dede) Kiyonaga; his son, Davis Kiyonaga; his daughters, Katelyn (Andrés) Carrillo, Deirdre (Darren) Johnson, and Grace Kiyonaga; his four grandchildren, Bradley, Antonio, Caroline, and David; and four siblings, Mary, John, Ann, and Paul. 

David grew up in Chevy Chase, Japan, El Salvador, and Brazil. He graduated from Gonzaga College High School in 1967, Georgetown University in 1971, and Tulane Law School in 1975. For the last 34 years, David has worked as an accomplished criminal defense attorney, handling complex criminal and civil matters. David J. Kiyonaga was a man of honor and known for his dedication to his family, his passion for golf, and his sense of humor. A devout Catholic, David was steadfast in his quiet, principled support for all those around him in need. 

As one of his siblings texted in announcing his death, “David Joseph Kiyonaga – husband, father, son, brother, friend, and lawyer – has died. Valiant and faith-filled to the end, he has left us Kiyonagas with the strength of his example. We won’t see his like again.” 

A hui hou, Uncle.