It is with the greatest sadness that we must report the passing of voice actor Takeshi Aono, as initially reported by Anime News Network. The news was first made public by fellow voice actress Eiko Yamada via her Twitter account.

Takeshi Aono of Theater Troupe Geikyou passed away this morning. (Voice of Chibi Maruko-chan‘s grandfather, etc…) I liked his plays where he was way too serious. He was wonderful as a voice actor too, but he was something special on the stage. He had a presence that was overwhelming and full of life!! How can he be gone…?! I offer my sincerest prayers.

Dragon Ball fans will best remember Takeshi Aono as the voice of Ninja Murasaki, Piccolo Daimaō, and of course, God.  However, in June 2010 Aono suffered a stroke after undergoing surgery for an aortic aneurysm. Since that time he had remained in the hospital, and the majority of his roles were given to veteran voice actor Bin Shimada, including the role of “God” in Dragon Ball Kai. He was 75 years old, and will be greatly missed by all.

Thanks to Rachel for her quick translation.