Obituaries for Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Thomas Galicinao Soriano
Thomas Galicinao Soriano
Thomas Galicinao Soriano passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2024, at the golden age of 100. Born in the Philippines, Thomas embarked on a life journey that led him to Kaua‘i where he dedicated decades as a skilled irrigation technician at McBryde Plantation. Beyond his professional endeavors, Thomas was also known for his humble, caring, hard-working spirit. He had a passion for traveling, boxing, fishing, gambling, and gardening. However, his greatest joy came from spending quality time with his family.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents Alberto and Desideria Soriano, as well as six siblings Emilia Soriano Sagucio, Cosmi Soriano, Gerardo Soriano, Francisco Soriano, Carmen Sagucio Soriano and Esminia Soriano.
He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Nives Pedronan Soriano. Thomas is survived by his three sons, Irineo (Thelma Pascual) Soriano of Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i, Ruben (Darlene) Soriano of Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i, and Edwin (Luz) Soriano of San Diego, California. Thomas is also survived by his two devoted daughters Emilie (Dominador) Bucasas of Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i, and Shirley Yoshida Moriguchi of Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i. Thomas is also survived by 13 grandchildren Kristine (James) Laborte, Jeanette (Steve) Sivila, Gregory (Traci) Soriano, Jennifer (Mathew) Ballard, Jason (Raisa) Soriano, Sheldon (Janet) Bucasas, Brandon Bucasas, Jordan (Shyleen) Bucasas, Darrione Soriano, Kyle Soriano, Karissa Soriano, Bryce Yoshida and Grant Yoshida. Lastly, Thomas is also survived by his beloved 15 great-grandchildren Braden Soriano-Laborte, Kylie Laborte, Cain Laborte, Tristan Sivila, Trevor Sivila, Kaleb Soriano, Ryder Soriano, Ayva Soriano, Wyatt Ballard, Savannah Ballard, Olivia Ballard, Eliana Soriano, Aria Bucasas, Sophia Bucasas and Olivia Bucasas. He is also survived by many numerous nieces and nephews.
A service to honor and celebrate Thomas’ life will be held at Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at 10 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Geraldine Noelani Kanahele
Geraldine Noelani Kanahele, of Hanapepe, passed away on March 25, 2024, at home at the age of 60. She was born on Dec. 2, 1963, on Ni‘ihau. She was a housewife.
She was preceded in death by father John K. Kaaumoana and brother Samuel K. Kaaumoana.
She is survived by husband Uilama Hoomana ia Iesu Kanahele, sons Wesley U. (Adelaida) Kanahele of Hanapepe, June K. Kaaumoana of Ni‘ihau, Eric M. (Kristy) Kanahele of Kaumakani, hanai son Jarian I. (Jean) Beniamina of Makaweli, daughter Jade P. (Tyrus) Kanahele of Ni‘ihau, 12 grandchildren, mother Kuulei Kaaumoana, brother Gordon K. Kaaumoana of Ni‘ihau, hanai brother June K. Kaaumoana of Ni‘ihau, sisters Marian K. (James) Beniamina of ‘Ele‘ele, Dorothy H. (Charles Jr.) Kaliloa of Kekaha, hanai sister Hazel L. (Charles III) Kaliloa of Oregon, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Garden Island Mortuary. Visitation is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 10:30 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Sandra Momilani Muragin
Passed away peacefully at home in Koloa with her family by her side on March 17, 2024, at the age of 63. She was born in Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i. She was working for the County of Kaua‘i in Boards and Commissions (7 years), previously with Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club (16 years) and Bank of Hawai‘i (17 years).
Sandra is preceded in death by her father Naoto Yatsuoka.
She is survived by parents Laynette “Lynn” and Frank Bukoski, daughter Auika (Dain) Metcalfe, sisters Candace (Les) Tabuchi, Vanessa Yatsuoka, Allison (David) Carveiro, Stacie (Kaleo) Smith, brothers David Bukoski, Palani Bukoski, 2 granddaughters (Wrenly, 4 and Rhaenyra, 1), nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sandra’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary, Koloa. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with services at 10 a.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Arthur Wentworth Keale
Arthur Wentworth Keale, of Waimea, passed away in Waimea on Feb. 1, 2024, at the age of 82. He was born on Dec. 26, 1941, in Puaiki, Nii‘hau. He was a Golf Course Shaper.
He was preceded in death by father Josef Kupaianaha Kahale, Sr., mother Adeline Waioloe Kaleohana Kahale, brothers Moses K. Keale, Rev. Moses “Moke” Keale, Jr., Joseph Kahale, Jr., Arthur W. Kahale, sisters Rev. Adeline W. Rivera, Rev. Rose K. Kaliloa, Rebecca L. Keale and Josephine Keale.
He is survived by wife Dolores “Dorothy” Keale and son Kyle Wentworth H. Keale of Port Allen.
A service will be held on May 4, 2024, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. followed by service at 9:45 a.m. The family suggests casual attire and requests that flowers be omitted.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Elaine Kaleiohi Fernandez
Elaine Kaleiohi Fernandez, 83, of Anahola, passed away in Honolulu, on March 20, 2024. She was born in Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i, on Jan. 24, 1941. She was a singer/entertainer employed at Smiths Motor Boat Tours on the Wailua River. Later in life, she was a Campus Aide Security at Kapa‘a High and Intermediate School, where she retired.
She loved singing, playing music, gardening, planting, and caring for her beautiful flowers and orchids. She also was a devoted housewife and homemaker along with being a loving mother and grandmother to her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband Rawlin K. Fernandez Sr., parents George and Hannah Kaleiohi Sr., her daughter Darnell K. Alapai, grandson Ikona Ivan Fernandez, siblings Ruth Tupa, George (Momi) Kaleiohi Jr., John Kaleiohi, Hiram (Mollie) Kaleiohi, Esther (Vic) Pezario, Julia (Alvin) Wasano, Helen (Sandy) Obrero and Florence (Joseph) Navas.
She is survived by her children Samuel (Lisa) Alapai of Anahola, Shanna‘Nalei (Vincent) Palmer of Seattle, Washington, Kamaka (Amparo) Fernandez III of Anahola, stepchildren Patricia Noda, Phyllis Miyake, Kamaka Fernandez Jr., Solomon Fernandez, sister-in-law Jane Kinzie, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary on Friday, April 26, 2024, with visitation at 9:30 a.m., service/Mass at 10:30 a.m., and burial at Lihu‘e Cemetery.
Desiree Kuilani Tung Loong
Desiree Kuilani Tung Loong, 65, of Kapa‘a, passed away on O‘ahu on April 14, 2024. She was born on Kaua‘i on Dec. 29, 1958, and was a Housekeeper at various hotels and condos.
Preceded in death by her parents Richard Hooikaika, Emmaline (Tung Loong) Hooikaika, grandparents Edward and Lucia Tung Loong.
She is survived by her husband Philbert Carvalho, brothers Ahkem (Catalina) Hooikaika, Frank (Ululani) Hooikaika, William “BJ” (Ellen) Hooikaika, Steven (Lizann) Carvalho, Alan (Gary Ann) Carvalho, sisters Elizabeth (Johnny) Hooikaika, Lynette (Don) Medina, Valerie (Joe) Contrades Charlotte (Ben) May, hanai son Kalani Poe-Hooikaika, mother-in-law Alice Carvalho, brother and uncle Ahkem (Roz) Tung Loong, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Kaua‘i Veterans Center in Lihu‘e with viewing from 9 a.m. and services beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.
Please visit www.kauaimemorialgardens.com for more information and pictures.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Gregoria ‘Jeannie’ Oroc
Gregoria “Jeannie” Pantohan Oroc, of Kekaha, Kaua‘i, passed away at home on March 31, 2024, at the age of 92. Born in Wahiawa, Kaua‘i Camp 7, on Sept. 6, 1931, she retired as a Hotel Housekeeper at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa and Head Cashier at Waimea Big Save Market.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 71 years, Epifanio “Panio” Oroc, parents Tecla Escalante Gelbolingo, Mauro Pantohan, stepfather Narciso Otlang, sister Flora Relacion, brothers Juan Pantohan, Augustin “Terry” Pantohan, Cristobal “Serry” Otlang, Cipirino “Pangay” Otlang, Francisco Otlang, Sibero “Beroy” Otlang, Alejandro “Ale” Otlang, sister-in-law Sr. M. Candida Oroc, OSF and son Robert Oroc.
She is survived by her four children Eric (Melia) Oroc of Honolulu, Elizabeth (John) Perea of Kailua-Kona, Gregory (Rita) Oroc of Wisconsin, and Stephanie (JJ) Bostick of Kekaha. 12 grandchildren Christine Oroc, Chandra Oroc, Robert Brad Oroc, Michelle Mackler, Erin Oroc, Eric Oroc, Marc Oroc, Ruben Andrian, Chelsea Oroc, Danielle Patterson, Adam Oroc, Samantha Bostick, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Waimea Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church from 8 a.m. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. by Father Edwin. Burial to follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens 4716 Maalo Road, Lihu‘e, Hawai‘i. Flowers welcomed. Aloha attire requested.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Gerald ‘Jim’ James McDowall
Gerald “Jim” James McDowall, of Lawa‘i, passed away in Lihu‘e on April 19, 2024, at the age of 86. He was born on May 30, 1937, in Bismarck, North Dakota. He was a Marine Biology Teacher at Kaua‘i High School.
He was preceded in passing by his parents Douglas and Yvonne McDowall, sister Rita McDowall and brother Don McDowall.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, JoAnne McDowall, sons Darren (Cynthia) McDowall, Jay (Rhea) McDowall, granddaughter Morgan McDowall, siblings Mark McDowall, Douglas McDowall and Jane Wike.
Private services were held by the family.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Vivian Teruyo Pereira
Vivian Teruyo Pereira, of Kalaheo, passed away on March 13, 2024, at home at the age of 76. She was born on July 21,1947, in Waimea, Kaua‘i.
She was preceded in death by parents Masao and Rin Sakoda, in-laws Charles Sr. and Adeline Pereira and sister-in-law Alma Sakoda.
She is survived by husband Charles Pereira Jr., son James Pereira (Angie Castro) of Kekaha, daughters Claudine Pereira of Kalaheo, Allison Pereira (Alex Dzierba) of Hawai‘i Kai, O‘ahu, grandchildren Marley Rin Yuriko Pereira (Kekoa Tacub), James Logan Pereira, Tristan Raposa, brothers Ronald Sakoda of Huntington Beach, California, Erwin Sakoda (Bernie) of Lihu‘e, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private service was held.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Gladys Haruko Iha
Gladys Haruko Iha, 90, of Kapa‘a, passed away on April 2, 2024. She was born April 14, 1933.
She is survived by her daughters Sandi Elaban, Laurie Macadamia, grandchildren Raylan Pegeder-Iha, Ciara Elaban, Xannia Elaban, Jennifer (Xavier Chatman) Macadamia, Julie Ann (Kelii) Nahalea, Natalie Macadamia, Patricia (Bernard Davis) Macadamia, Katherine (Steve) Udaundo, Jameson (Leslie) Macadamia, great-grandchildren Tyden Pegeder-Iha, Xavier L. Chatman, Zyleah Chatman, McKaelah Chatman, Laurie Ann Nahalea, Lehua Nahalea, Vincent Gaudreau, Kiana Makanani, Faith Makanani, Brianna Davis, Bernard Davis, Kaylie Udaundo, Ethan Udaundo, Erik Udaundo, great-great-grandchild Kahiau Nahalea-Holi, siblings Nancy Nonaka, Afton Camat, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Kaua‘i Veterans Center in Lihu‘e with viewing from 3 p.m. and services beginning at 4 p.m. The family suggests casual attire.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Kathleen ‘Kathy’ Watts
Kathleen Kimie Kimura Watts, 66, of Wailuku, Maui, passed away on April 8, 2024, at Maui Memorial Medical Center. She was born on Aug. 16, 1957, in Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Valley Isle Fellowship Church in Wailuku. Service will start at 10 a.m. Interment on O‘ahu will follow at a later date.
Kathy worked at Tri-Isle, Inc. in Wailuku for over 30 years. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister.
She was preceded in death by her father Toshio Kimura.
She is survived by her sons Jayson and Jared, who were her pride and joy, her granddaughter Ellexie, who brought her immense happiness, her mother Kunie Kimura, who was her rock and her brothers, Lloyd (Jennie) of Wailuku and Jay (Louann) Kimura of Hilo, who were always there for her. She also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews, Sherilyn (Jeff) Ueoka, Mindy (Ross) Fusato, Malia Kimura, Nathan (Tracy) Kimura, Jeremy (Kel) Kimura, Lindsey Kimura, and grandnieces, Avery and Rylee Fusato, Tiffany Kimura, and grandnephew, Jin Kimura, who will cherish her memory.
Frederick Kenneth Chaundy
Frederick Kenneth Chaundy, of Lihu‘e, passed away on April 11, 2024, at the age of 76 years old. He was born on Oct. 1, 1947, in Michigan. He was a research chemist.
He was preceded in death by parents Kenneth and Mary Ann Chaundy, sister Sallie Hudspeth and brother Dennis Chaundy.
He is survived by wife Sandra Chaundy, daughter Lisa (Matt) Davison, grandchildren Ella and Ayden and sister Carole Chaundy.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Michigan.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Hillie Andam Gallegos
Hillie Andam Gallegos, of Killeen, Texas, passed away on April 10, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 70. He departed peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born on Oct. 20, 1953, in Dingras, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. At a young age, Hillie embarked on a journey with his mother and brother to join his father, who worked in the sugarcane plantations of beautiful Kaumakani, Kaua‘i. He graduated from Waimea High School, Class of 1973, and pursued an Automotive Degree from Hawai‘i Community College of Hilo, Hawai‘i. This accomplishment paved the way for his esteemed military career as a Diesel Mechanic in the United States Army, Texas Army National Guard, and Department of Logistics.
Hillie Gallegos is preceded in death by his parents, Elpidio Andam Gallegos and Juanita Sulquiano Andam Gallegos and son, Armand Foronda Gallegos Sr., who is survived by his spouse, Christina Gallegos.
He is survived in legacy by his significant other Evangeline Thomas, sons Helizalde (Alice) Gallegos, Ronald (Jeanette) Gallegos, daughter Leezah (Micheal) Frye, brother Rodrigo (Gina) Gallegos, grandchildren Armand Gallegos Jr., Caiden Gallegos, Zoey Rodriguez, Gabriel Gallegos, Jacob Gallegos, Reilynn Gallegos, Boomer Gallegos, Micheal Frye Jr., Leilah Frye, Hannah Frye, Ilana Frye, Alaysia Armstrong, Tyshawn Armstrong, Jamell Austin, Riley Austin, Bryant Austin and Audriana Allen.
Hillie Gallegos is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will cherish his memory dearly.
Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at noon at St Joseph Catholic Church, 2903 E Rancier Ave, Killeen, Texas. Hillie will be laid to rest with his beloved son, Armand Gallegos, Sr., at the Killeen City Cemetery, 2800 E Rancier Ave, Killeen, Texas.
Your condolence wishes can be made to Helizalde Gallegos, 3708 Peaks Drive, Killeen, Texas, 76543.
James Pycha
December 31, 1944 — April 6, 2024
James Gary Pycha “Jim”, of Princeville, went on to his permanent Heavenly home on April 6, 2024, at the age of 79. He was born on Dec. 31, 1944, in Hollywood, California, to the late Joseph James and Mildred Louise Winchell Pycha. He lost his long battle with cancer and passed away in his 2nd home in Rochester, Minnesota. He was a Mayo Clinic patient.
Jim grew up in southern California. He went to Cal State University, Long Beach where he attained a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy.
In 1969, on the way to graduate school in New York City, Jim decided to first stop in Hawai‘i to surf. He began his journey in Lahaina, Maui, meeting his best friend (later to be his best man) and then on to Kaua‘i in search of “the wave”. He worked as a night auditor at the iconic Hanalei Plantation Hotel so he could surf during the day. He met a local girl and got married in July of 1973. Jim soon trained as a journeyman mechanic while Princeville Resort, formerly a plantation sugarcane/cattle ranch, was being developed in 1973. He used his newly acquired mechanic skills to be head mechanic for two construction companies, later opening his own auto repair shop in his garage on Keneke St. across from the old Kilauea Theater. He obtained his real estate license in the early 80’s and opened the first franchise for RE/MAX International on Kauai now known as RE/MAX Kaua‘i.
Jim was in the Coast Guard Reserve for 30 years and retired as Lt. Commander. His passion: providing for his family, talking to others about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and selling real estate. One of his favorite experiences was taking his family on a long road trip in a brand new VW Westfalia Camper van throughout Europe in 1993, visiting 11 countries.
Survivors include Cyrila L. Tobalado Cole Pycha, 74 years old from Anahola, Jim’s loving wife of a little over fifty and one half years, son Matthew James Pycha, 49 years old and daughter, Angela Lynn Pycha, 47 years old. Both children were raised in Kilauea where they still both live. Jim has one sibling, sister Janet Lynn Pycha Stirling, 74 years old, of Costa Mesa, California.
There will be a grave side burial service with military honors at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10 a.m. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Jim’s memorial service will be at Anahola Baptist Church, on Saturday May 4, at 2:30 pm. Live streaming will be available on social media.
Cyrila, Matt and Angela Pycha
P. O. Box 757 Kilauea, Hawai‘i, 96754
Email: rekmgr@gmail.com
