Obituaries for Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Amelia Verona Santella
Amelia Verona Santella
Amelia Verona Santella, 95, passed away peacefully at home on March 14, 2023. She was born in the Philippines on Dec. 7, 1927 and worked as a chemist for Kilovac.
She is survived by her three daughters, two sisters, 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, April 15, at St. Catherine Church, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. and Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. Inurnment to follow at Kealia Cemetery.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
James ‘Kimo’ Gerardo
James “Kimo” Gerardo, 68, passed away peacefully at his Hanama‘ulu home on Feb. 4, 2023. He was born Sept. 17, 1954, in Lihu‘e, and retired from Duke’s restaurant.
He was preceded in passing by parents James Gerardo and Mary Keoho Haluapo Gerardo, sisters Marylyn Gerardo and Kathy Louis and brother Alan Gerardo.
He is survived by son Byron Gerardo, sisters Joyce (Terry) Daligdig, Alison (Clayton) Silva and Brenda (Rey) Coloma, brothers Brian (Shanell) Gerardo, Jerry Aquias and Mathew Louis, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles and aunties.
A celebration of life is Saturday, April 29, at the Peter Rayno Sr. Park in Hanama‘ulu, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Gilroy Mahealani Yorkman
Gilroy Mahealani Yorkman was born under the full moon at Waimea on July 13, 1946. He passed away at Wilcox Medical Center on Feb. 3, 2023.
He was predeceased by parents Ruth Ho‘opai Yorkman and Craddock Conrad Yorkman, son Damon K. Yorkman and half-sister Myrtle Fujhara.
He is survived by daughter Shay Yorkman, life partner Marilyn Yamaguchi, grandchildren Kalen Bagano, Taurus Yorkman and Shylee Yorkman, great-grandsons Ayven Smith and Kai Damon Yorkman, brother Wesley Kanani (MaryAnn) Yorkman, sisters Rosebelle Kalili Hansen, Karen Hunter and Lusalle (Joseph) Andrade, sister-in-law Althea Ka‘anoi Yorkman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a Vietnam veteran and part of the elite Airborne group. He retired as the fire chief at Lihu‘e Airport Rescue and Firefighting Department.
He spent his life giving to the community, through coaching Pop Warner football for more than 20 years, helping with the sovereignty fight for Hawaiians with the Lawful Hawaiian Government, and assisting Hawaiians to get back on their land through the Kekaha Hawaiian Homestead Association.
He was also with the coaching staff of the Kaua‘i baseball Colt all-stars who made it all the way to the Pennsylvania World Series. He led a full life, and his free time was spent raising birds, traveling, eating, drinking, gardening, fishing and hunting.
A private celebration of life was held.
His brother Kanani is hosting a fireman’s farewell and service open to the public on April 15 at 10 a.m., with visitation from 9 to 10 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kekaha Ward.
Alejandro ‘Alex’ Mancilla
Alejandro “Alex” Mancilla, age 56, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Lihu‘e on March 23, 2023. One of the original The Home Depot associates in Lihu‘e, he was known to many customers of the electrical department.
He is survived by his wife, Wendy — the love of each other’s life. They were married on Kaua‘i on May 22, 2001.
He was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 5, 1966. He attended school in San Diego, and following graduation he joined the Jobs Corps vocational school program. Alex and Wendy met in 1999 in San Diego at the apartment complex where they lived, and where he was the maintenance supervisor.
Wendy encouraged Alex to join her at The Home Depot, El Cajon, Calif., as a sales associate in 2001. Following their marriage in 2001, they often visited Kaua‘i. When the opportunity came to transfer to the new The Home Depot store that was opening on Kaua‘i in 2003, they decided to make Kaua‘i their home, and purchased a condo in Lihu‘e. They were part of the original team that opened the store, and have been The Home Depot Kaua‘i associates since 2003.
He enjoyed cooking, and especially visiting Lydgate Park, where he could grill steaks and shrimp, plus swim and enjoy beach time. He was known for his homemade salsa and traditional Mexican food.
Alex and Wendy also enjoyed traveling to Mexico and California to visit family and vacation at Mexican beach resorts. As members of the Catholic faith and Immaculate Conception Church in Lihu‘e, they also went on several Catholic Church pilgrimage tours, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Holy Land, Poland, Austria and Germany.
Several years ago, Alex and Wendy decided to go on part time status at The Home Depot to be able to spend more quality time together.
He is also survived by parents Heriberto and Arcelia Mancilla of
Tijuana, Mexico, brothers Armando Mancilla and Horacio Mancilla, sisters Olivia Mancilla, Arcelia Mancilla and Imelda Mancilla, nephews Horacio Mancilla and Hansel Andre Melgar Mancilla, and nieces Sofia Mancilla and Gretel Ivana Melgar Mancilla.
A funeral mass is Saturday, April 15, at Immaculate Conception Church, beginning at 10 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home in Lihu‘e.
Mabel Makanani
Mabel Makanani, 95, passed away peacefully at home on March 15, 2023. She was born in Lihu‘e on May 23, 1927, and worked in retail for Kay O’ Kaua’i at Coco Palms and Garment Factory to You, and retired from High As A Kite after Hurricane ‘Iniki.
She was preceded in passing by parents George Kaluna Makaneole and Mary Makaneole, brothers George Jr. and Charles Makaneole, and daughters Realyn and Charlene Kahelelani Makanani.
She is survived by son Attwood Maikai Makanani and daughters Pamela Aulani Nakoa, Rachelle Mapuana Makanani Nam, Terralyn (Daniel) Pomaikai Makakani-Pilila‘au and Londa Mae Fukumitsu, grandchildren Lyanna and Kalani Nakoa, Malia, Maikai, Lono and Hina Makanani, Chelsea (Dustin) Lee and Candiss (Fedna) Pierre Louis, Kahai (Kinohi), Ulu, Kolea (Summer) Fukumitsu and Maluhia (Bud) MacPherson, and 30 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be on Saturday, April 22, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary in Koloa, with visitation beginning at 8:30 a.m. and service at 9:30 a.m. Leis and flowers are welcomed. Please join the family for lunch at 1:30 p.m. at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall following the service.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Evelyn Kukana Roller Pulawa
Evelyn Kukana Roller Pulawa, born April 8, 1936, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Pono Loa, Waiohuli, Maui.
Preceding her death were her parents Francis Harold Roller and Anna Okame Hachi Roller and brothers Richard Roller and Phillip Roland Roller.
She is survived by her husband Wilford Kala‘au‘ala Pulawa Sr., sister Roberta Vera Ann, brother Robert Roger Roller (Susan), her daughter Susana Kahikilaulani Pulawa Grubbé (Tom) and sons Wilford Kala‘au‘ala Pulawa Jr. (Navi), Sean Ka‘ehuokalani Pulawa (Debbie), and grandchildren Kukana Kuluwaimaka Pulawa Ka‘aumoana (Gordon), Ka‘iwa Ulukaiokahiki Grubbé and Alaka‘i Pomaika‘ipu‘uwaialohakaukehakeha Grubbé, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
At Evelyn’s request, no services will be held.
Sharon Carlotta Nerpio
In loving memory of Sharon Carlotta Nerpio
Sharon Carlotta Nerpio passed away in her home in Kekaha on March 28, 2023. She was 71 years old. She was born on March 8, 1952 in Waimea Valley, to Anastacio Egayat and Stella Becky Hoil, She graduated from Waimea High School in 1970.
She married Jeremiah Nerpio on Sept. 26, 1970. She enjoyed exploring nature in Koke‘e and other beautiful parts of the islands. She was also known for making crafts and garments of many kinds for family and friends. Of highest priority in her life was serving her God Jehovah, Creator of the Earth. She dedicated her life to His service and was baptized on March 7, 1970. She spent over 14 years as a full-time minister. She faithfully served Jehovah down to her last breath.
She is survived by husband Jeremiah Gaudencio Nerpio Sr., children Jeremiah Gaudencio Nerpio Jr., Chad Justin Nerpio, Brandon Kawika Nerpio, Phaedra Talia Figlirski and Levi Paul Nerpio, grandchildren Lamarrie Nerpio, Kepo‘okelahupueo Nerpio, Mahina Nerpio, Nakulu Nerpio, Pohaku Nerpio, Lehua Nerpio, Sharbu Nerpio and Shaka Nerpio, great-grandchildren Michael Nerpio, Stephan Nerpio and Patty Nerpio, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial talk is at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 16, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kekaha.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Katherine Elaine (Jackson) Kitamura
Katherine Elaine (Jackson) Kitamura arrived into this world on July 13, 1946, born to Robert and Jean Jackson in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She departed this earthly life on Monday, March 27, 2023, in Chicago, after battling with Alzheimer’s disease.
She grew up on a farm she loved in Matheson, Colorado, learning perseverance at a young age after contracting polio. She was a graduate of Simla High School and Colorado State College of Education, and had a teaching career that spanned more than 40 years, sharing her passion for learning with thousands of students.
She spent most of her life on the island of Kaua‘i, where she was an active member of her church, and volunteered with the Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was an avid reader, loved to laugh (she had a great laugh!), and was a devoted Christian.
She was preceded in death by parents Bob and Jean, siblings Karen and Ron, and partner Don Greener.
She is survived by her former husband, James Kitamura, and their daughters Jamie (Chris) Hess, Kara Kitamura and Jana (Peter) Martin, beloved grandchildren Brendan, Anuhea, Pakela and Wainohia, and siblings Don and Helen. Her family will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest, and are happy that Kathy can remember who Kathy is again.
A graveside memorial service is Sunday, May 28, at 12:30 p.m. at the Town of Simla Cemetery, Dakota Ave., Simla, CO. Visitation and light lunch will follow.
A celebration of life service is Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Kapa‘a United Church of Christ, 1315 Ulu St., Kapa‘a, with visitation at 11 a.m., service at 11:30 a.m. and light lunch to follow.
Please contact KitamuraMemorial@gmail.com with any requests for information.
Roger Soliva
Roger Soliva passed away on March 31, 2023 at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital at the age of 66. He was born on Oct. 22, 1956 in the Philippines. He was a welder and landscaper.
He was preceded in death by parents Jose and Adoracion Soliva and granddaughter Trixia Mitch Soliva.
He is survived by wife Delia Soliva, sons Ronald (Mary Jane) Soliva of Toronto, Michael (Cherry) Soliva of Las Vegas and Darrel (Kristine) Soliva of Kaua‘i, grandchildren Kyle Avery Soliva, Xia Ysabelle Soliva, Mark Ron Soliva, Maria Janina Soliva and Markus Ian “Rodel” Soliva, brothers Rolando (Marcelina) Soliva of Kaumakani, Robert (Conita) Soliva of Oakland, California and Rodolfo Soliva (Lorna) of Kekaha, sisters Virginia Parbo of Kekaha, Reynalda (Antonio) Daligcon of Hanapepe and Remedios Tadije of ‘Ele‘ele, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation with the family is Sunday, April 16, at Garden Island Mortuary from 6 to 8 p.m.
A service will be held on Monday, April 17, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo, with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. and Mass to follow. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Russell J. Maeda
Russell J. Maeda, 75, passed away on April 2, 2023. He was a Vietnam veteran and a retired contractor. He was born on Jan. 21, 1948 in Lihu‘e.
He was preceded in death by father Tetsuro “Rosy” Maeda.
He is survived by wife Charlotte Maeda, sons Donavan and Darren White, mother Bessie T. Maeda, brother Darryl K. Maeda, sisters Gale (Alfred) Domingsel and Rachel (Henry) Furutani, grandchildren Cody and Alex White, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be announced in the future.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Florafina L. Jaramilla
Florafina L. Jaramilla, 87, passed away on March 6, 2023. She was born on Dec. 28, 1935, in Pugo, La Union, Philippines, and retired as a housekeeper at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort in Po‘ipu.
She was preceded in passing by husband Juanito Domenden Jaramilla, child Neil Hoover Jaramilla, parents Manuel De Ocampo Lopez and Juanita Garcia Jacla, brothers Conrado, Mariano, Pablito, Salvador and Benedicto Lopez, sisters Rosalia dela Paz, Carolina Lopez and Maria Salvacion Valencia, and grandparents Gazpar Lopez and Fausta Ocampo.
She is survived by sons Cleveland “CJ” (Lei) Jaramilla, John (Salve) Jaramilla, Lyndon (Melodie Ocol) Jaramilla and Roswell Jaramilla, daughter Leilani (Robert) Jaramilla Vasquez, brother Amor (Alice) Lopez, seven grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, April 15, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo, with visitation beginning at 9:15 a.m. and Mass to follow at 10 a.m.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
