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Lisa Nomura describes her brother, the late Dr. Steven Nomura, as the “quintessential big brother,” who was steady, caring and guided by an unwavering sense of responsibility to family, friends and the countless patients whose lives he touched.
“He was very special to me,” Lisa said. “Even though there was an eight-year age gap, we were incredibly close. He always gave me advice … even if I didn’t always follow it,” she added with a small, knowing smile.
Steve’s journey was as eclectic as it was remarkable. He spent his elementary and high school years in Okinawa before heading to University of Washington in Seattle, where he pursued a double major, graduating with a BS in biology and a BA in psychology.
From there, he followed his intellectual curiosity to UH Mānoa to earn a master’s degree in genetics. His time at UH left a lasting impression, deepening his appreciation for scientific inquiry, mentorship and the role universities play in advancing health and knowledge.
When it came time to choose between medical or dental school, Steve carefully weighed his options. Lisa remembers their parents teasing him that he was “getting old” – 33 at the time – and reminding him that medical school might take longer than he wanted. His father also cautioned him about the rigors of emergency calls and late-night shifts. In the end, dentistry won out.
Steve built a thriving dental practice in Aberdeen, Washington, and in true big-brother fashion, he brought his younger brother along, even though Glen was already an architect with a firm in Seattle. But Steve could be persuasive. He encouraged, nudged and ultimately convinced him to return to school for dentistry. Glen carries on the practice today, a living testament to Steve’s influence.
A Quiet Giver, an Enduring Legacy
Throughout his life, Steve quietly supported students in their academic pursuits, offering both his time and his financial resources to help them succeed.
“He always tried to contribute to the betterment of other people,” Lisa said. “He believed deeply in the importance of education.”
It was a conviction that stayed with him, and one that would later guide a lasting gift to the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).
When he passed away after a five-year battle with prostate cancer in 2023, the loss reverberated deeply.
Steve’s lifelong instinct to care for others didn’t end with his passing. The same generosity that shaped his relationships and his career now guides the charitable impact he leaves behind. Through a generous gift from his estate to UH Foundation, he continues to support the education he so deeply valued, funding a professorship within the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at the JABSOM.
The endowed professorship will strengthen teaching and research in genetics, allowing researchers to harness genetic insights that can lead to earlier discoveries, targeted treatments and better health outcomes for Hawaiʻi’s communities.
For Lisa, the gift represents everything her brother stood for: compassion, service and a belief in lifting others up. “He had a big heart,” she said softly. “He spent his life helping people. And now, even after he’s gone, he’s still doing that.”