Obituaries for Friday, February 9, 2024

Rossiter Ronald Kamealoha Oana, Sr.

Rossiter Ronald Kamealoha Oana, Sr., of Kalaheo, passed away on Jan. 4, 2024, in Kalaheo at the age of 84. He was born on Jan. 23, 1939, in Lihu‘e. He was a telephone linesman with Hawaiian Tel Company and a long-time musician with the Punuas.

He was preceded in death by parents Stanley Manaia Oana, Sr., Elizabeth Leialoha Kanoho Oana, wife Marjorie Napua Rodrigues Oana, son Rosswell Raoul Kaleolani Oana, granddaughter Weslyn Jerves, grandson Don Sadomiano, brother Stanley Manaia (Smokey) Oana, Jr., sisters Eleanor Leinaala Carvalho, Flora Ornellas and son-in-law Wesley Jerves.

He is survived by wife Victoria Navarro Oana, sons Rossiter R. K. Oana, Jr. of Oma‘o, Michael Oana of Vancouver, Washington, Chris Oana of Vancouver, Washington, daughters Raenette (Danny) Sadomiano of Hanama‘ulu, Rhonda Jerves of Hanama‘ulu, Rona (Reuben Yadao) Oana of ‘Ele‘ele, Romy Oana of ‘Ele‘ele, stepdaughters Nani (Matthew) Burger of Oregon, Angelina Kays of Kalaheo, grandchildren Reef Oana, Chantel Lopez, Aaron (Toya) Oana, Mahealani Oana, Channel (Kalani Matsusaka) Jerves, Jewel Jerves, Ashlyn Jerves, Garon (Danielle Kulia) Nobriga, Ryden Nobriga, Ariel Overton, Hailey Oana, Mason Oana, Keoni Sadomiano, Gavin Sadomiano, Raschel Yadao, Shalea (Nicholas) Kam, Taralei (Dillion Kane) Yadao, great-grandchildren Kichelle Oana, Taylin Oana, Tydin Oana, Zion Oana, Chay Ramirez, Tawehi Oana Makanani, Ceriann Jerves, Rize Papagayo, Janai Thompson, Tori Santiago, Wesley Kamu Santiago, Myah Matsusaka, Aiyana Matsusaka, Sariah Matsusaka, Kalani boy Matsusaka, Zaylin Matsusaka, Anela Yadao, Aiden Catbagan-Texeira, Kieran Shigeo Kam, Salem Kam, Ezekiel Kane, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service will be held at Lihue Lutheran Church on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. Visitation is from 8 to 9 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 9 a.m. The family requests aloha attire and welcomes flowers.

Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

William Carrillo, Jr.

William “Willie” Carrillo, Jr., 86, of Anahola, passed away on Jan. 26, 2024. He was born on July 11, 1937 and lived a happy life with his family and friends. He worked at the famous Coco Palms Hotel from 1953 til it’s closing in 1992. While there, the Coco Palms Torchlighters (John Kaleiohi, John Kauo and Willie Carrillo) cut their first album in 1960. After working his daytime job as a Bellman, Willie smoothly moved into the evening hustle at the Lagoon Dining Room where he jammed out with his musical talents for the legendary Larry Rivera Show. Later on, he would moonlight at the bar to keep the vibe alive for the Night Cap with Larry Rivera. He was also a musician with the Smiths Motorboat Family from 1994 until he retired in July of 2018. Playing music for people and seeing the smiles on their faces is what he enjoyed most.

He was preceded in death by parents Virginia Ewaliko Carrillo, William Carrillo, Sr., son William “Timmy” Carrillo, sisters Wilma Meyer, Luana (Clayton) Young, brother Frederick “Raffy” Carrillo and grandson Kona-Kaden Huddy-Young.

Willie is survived by his significant other Kemamo, Elsie Carrillo, daughters Dino (Dennis-deceased) Oshiro of Wailua, Kau‘ilani (Todd) of O‘ahu, hanai daughter Uilani Huddy of Wailua, daughter-in-law Rose of Arizona, sons Duane “Doozy” Carrillo of Wailua, Ryan Huddy of Anahola, hanai son Kaipo of Lihu‘e, grandchildren Chrissy Gorospe, Kala and Laakea Oshiro of Wailua, Poai Oshiro of Seattle, Kiana (Tyler) Palea of Hilo, Brandee Carrillo of Hilo, Kaisen (Eurielle) Carrillo of Kilauea, Kailee Carrillo of Wailua, Kealiiola of O‘ahu, Anuhea, Raimana and Mahealani Huddy of Anahola, Alohi and Waikalea Corbett-Huddy of Florida, Makena-Shay Huddy-Pila of Wailua, Kaipo II of Maui, Kaimana (Genie) of Maui, great-grandchildren Tyran Palea of Seattle, Noah and Kira Palea of Hilo, Micah and Zayn Timbresa of Hilo, Thea and Ryze Carrillo of Kilauea, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Anahola Clubhouse where services will begin promptly at 10 a.m. Casual attire is suggested.

Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens is assisting the family with arrangements.

Leonard ‘Lee’ Albert Bagano

Leonard “Lee” Albert Bagano, of Kalaheo, passed away on Feb. 4, 2021, on O‘ahu at the age of 69. He was born in Lihu‘e on Dec. 3, 1951. He was an auto repair specialist and served in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard.

He was preceded in death by father Nicholas Bagano, mother Trinidad Lasconia, brothers Nicholas, Robert, Wayne and sister Diane.

He is survived by wife Deborah Bagano, daughter Michelle Bagano, sons Ian Bagano, Kalen Bagano, Cy (Holly) Bagano and three grandchildren.

A celebration of life is Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kalaheo. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. and Mass to be celebrated at 10:15 a.m.

Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mildred Tazuko Kurihara

Mildred Tazuko Kurihara, of Wailua Houselots, passed away on Dec. 20, 2023, in Lihu‘e at the age of 91. She was born on Jan. 31, 1932, in Wailua. She was a secretary/receptionist for Mokihana Insurance and a store proprietor of Togikawa Store.

She was preceded in death by husband Howard Kurihara, parents Hideo and Yukiko Togikawa, brothers Albert Togikawa, Robert Togikawa, in-laws Eizo and Katsu Kurihara and son-in-law Jeffrey Lindemann.

She is survived by daughters Gale Lindemann of Kaua‘i, Jan (Keith) Tatsuguchi of O‘ahu, grandchildren Jeffrey (Natalie) Lindemann of Texas, Wesley (Shea Pizzolatto) Lindemann of Texas, Robert Lindemann of Kaua‘i, Byron (Cindy Gan) Lindemann of Connecticut, step-great-grandchildren Reign and Iel Lim of Texas, sister Jane (Paul) Okamoto of Hawai‘i (Big Island), brother-in-law Asahi Okamoto of Kaua‘i, sisters-in-law Eleanor Togikawa of O‘ahu, Betty Togikawa of Indiana, Sanae Saito of Maui, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at the Kapa‘a Jodo Mission. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. The family suggests casual attire and requests no flowers or koden (monetary gifts). Donations in her memory can be made to Kaua‘i Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Many, many thanks to Lalaine Rabaino and staff, the Kaua‘i Hospice staff and Garden Isle Rehab & Long-Term 2nd floor nurses, aides and staff for the loving care provided for our mom.

Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Felicitas Dancel Caalim

Felicitas Dancel Caalim, 92, of Lawa‘i, passed away on Jan. 16, 2024, at Garden Isle Rehab & Nursing. She was born on May 31, 1931, in Pasuquin, Philippines. She was a field worker.

She was preceded in death by husband Pedro Caalim, parents Pantaleon and Procesa Dancel, sisters Francisca Bulosan, Gaudelia Ganal and brother Gavino Dancel.

She is survived by son Peter (Jocelyn) Caalim of Lawa‘i, daughters Clavelina Caalim of Mililani, Wilma (David) Aguirre of Eastvale, California, Lorna (Ioane) Lopes of Lawa‘i, grandchildren Kodi (Jamie) Rachwal-Oyama, Jorden DeCosta-Caalim (Daylin), Jaden DeCosta-Caalim (Tyler), Mikayla Aguirre (Ulysses), Jamelyn DeCosta-Caalim (Raine), Pomaile (Kahanu) Malama, Joseph Aguirre, Marlayna Aguirre, Katelyn Lopes, great-grandchildren Hunter Rachwal-Oyama, Vaea Caalim-Huni, Wrenly Rachwal-Oyama, brother Antonio (Herminia) Dancel of Pasuquin, Philippines, sisters Catalina (Alfonso) Palma of Laoag City, Philippines, Teresita (Edilon) Guerrero of Cannes, France, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service is Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., service at 10 a.m., and burial will follow at Hanapepe Public Cemetery. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.

Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Edward ‘Eddie’ Soong Jan Lau

Edward “Eddie” Soong Jan Lau, 95, of Honolulu, passed away on Jan. 7, 2024, on O‘ahu. He was born in Shanghai, China, on Sept. 27, 1928, and was preceded by his wife of 68 years, Eleanor Setsuko Ige Lau.

A veteran of the Korean War and a Sergeant E-7 Photographic Equipment Repair Supervisor in the Army Reserves, he was honorably discharged on June 26,1961. Eddie was an Statistical Analyst and Accountant at the Hawai‘i Sugar Planter’s Association and a District Manager with the Honolulu Advertiser.

He is survived by 3 children, Linda (Dr. Vernon) Azuma, Bonnie (Eric) Honma, Colin (Janine) Lau and was blessed with seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Diamond Head Mortuary on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, with visitation at 1 p.m. and service at 2 p.m.

The family requests no koden (monetary gift).

Linda E.F. Lach

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Linda E.F. Lach. Born on the 23rd of May, 1947, Linda left us on the 1st of January, 2024. A woman of great strength, wisdom, and grace, Linda led a fulfilled life devoted to her loved ones and profession. Those who knew her, would also remember her incredibly satirical and rebellious sense of humor.

She is survived by her mother, two siblings, a son, a daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Her loving husband, Peter, and her daughter, Mary Kay, preceded her in death.

Linda was a distinguished alumnus of Babson College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Management & Finance in 1973 and later obtaining her MBA in Management in 1974. She furthered her education at Georgetown University Law Center, where she acquired her J.D. in Law in 1977.

Upon graduating, Linda was quickly admitted to the Washington Bar in 1977, later the California Bar in 1981, and ultimately the Hawai‘i State and Kaua‘i Bar Associations in 1995. Her prestigious career began with establishing her own Adoption Law Office in 1984. Over the span of her career, she assisted over 3,000 families to realize the dream of raising children. Throughout her career, she volunteered with FEMA, demonstrating her benevolent character.

In 1992, she moved to Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, a place she held dear to her heart. Her spirit continues to live on in the hearts of her loved ones and in the contributions she made to her profession.

In memory of Linda, a donation fund in her name has been set up with the Kaua‘i Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of/linda-lach/donate/.

We mourn the loss of Linda Lach and remember her as a beacon of strength, intelligence, and kindness. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.”

Nancy Fuertes Ueno

Nancy Fuertes Ueno, 84, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend was welcomed into the arms of our Lord on Sept. 14, 2023. She passed peacefully at home as she wished, surrounded by her family and friends. Nancy was an award-winning lei maker, credited and published in several books on lei making. She was happiest when she was doing things for others, cooking, painting and making leis. She was a licensed practical nurse, and retired from the office of elderly affairs, with the county of Kaua‘i. But the job she was best known for was babysitting. She was an active member of the West Kaua‘i United Methodist Church and a 30 year hospice volunteer.

She is survived by her children Sandra (Kent) Brown (Nevada), Ryan (Kathy) Baniaga (Kaua‘i), Sharla Baniaga (Kaua‘i), Raenella Fuller (Texas), grandchildren Marcy and Morris Brown, Brysen Baniaga, siblings Anita Malama, Basilio Fuertes Jr., Carmen Vierra, Victoria Fuertes, Rose Mary (Allen), David (Carol) Fuertes. Connie Baniaga (Hanai Sister), Tony Howland (Heather) (Hanai Son), Bryce Howland (Sweetie) (Hanai Grandson).

The family would like to express their deep gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Monty Downs and his staff for the exceptional care of our mother and grandmother.

Service will be held at the Kaumakani location of the West Kaua‘i United Methodist Church on March 2, 2024. Viewing is at 10 a.m. with service to follow at 11 a.m.

John Parongao

John Parongao, 96, quietly passed away on May 16, 2023, at his home in Kalaheo, surrounded by most of his favorite people. He reunited with his beloved wife of 73 years, Tina, father Vicente Parungao, mother Romana Navarro Manibog, brothers Al (Florence), Paul and Tom Parongao, sisters Helen (William) Neves, Josephine (Theodore) Perez, step-mother Gloria Parungao, brother-in-law Henry Peralta, son-in-law Leonard Bagano and all the family and friends waiting for him.

He grew up in Numila/New Mill, graduated from Waimea High School, served in the U.S. Army, and was a mechanic for C. Brewer & Co. He also worked in Maintenance at Kaua‘i Surf and Walmart.

Hunting, skeet shooting, bowling, and shore-fishing were some of his interests. He loved deep sea fishing and making lures and tinkering with cars and was an avid reader … a lifelong learner and sharp-minded to the end; but in his heart he was a jitterbug dancer and a passionate cook.

Mostly he was a loving and proud family man, who will be missed by his 5 children – John (Cindy) Parongao, Jr., Joan (Bobby) Bareng, Deborah Bagano, Reuben Parongao, Anthony Parongao, his sisters Trini Peralta, Amy Parungao, sister-inlaw Juanita Parongao, 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, plenty of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Rest in love and peace … until we meet again. You are missed.

Please join us for a SHARED Visitation (9 to 10 a.m.) and Services (beginning at 10 a.m.) for John and his son-in-law, Leonard “Lee” Bagano, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo on Feb. 10, 2024, followed by a Luncheon. Read Lee’s obituary for more info.

Garden Island Mortuary assisted with arrangements.

Patricia Leina‘ala Bader-Townsend

Patricia Leina‘ala Bader-Townsend, of Wailua, passed away on Jan. 20, 2024, at the age of 80. She was born in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, on May 14, 1943, and was the Nursing Coordinator for the American Red Cross in the state of Hawai‘i.

She was preceded in passing by husband William Townsend, parents Emil and Josephine Bader, and grandson CJ Kirifi.

Patricia is survived by daughters Avis (Michael) Cabral, Michelle (Kale Spencer) Koholua, Lisa Koholua, Windy (Stanley Vierra) Kirifi, siblings Sunny (Justine) Bader, Phyllis (Lloyd) Young, Doyne (Sue) Bader, 17 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, her ‘Ohana and Christian Fellowship Family.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at ‘Ohana Christian Fellowship Church in Kapa‘a from 2 to 4 p.m.

Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.