Obituaries for Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Helen Leonani Hanohano

Helen Leonani Hanohano, of Niumalu, Kaua‘i, peacefully joined the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital. She was 80 years old and born on May 9, 1943, in Lihue, Hawai‘i. Helen was a Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Friend. She will be remembered as the life of the party, for her contagious laugh, beautiful voice and giving heart.

Helen grew up in Niumalu and enjoyed the simple joys of life. As a young adult she worked at The Pineapple Cannery, Kalena Bar, Hideaway Bar, and HAPS Hideaway Bar. She later became a bus driver for the County of Kaua‘i and retired after 29 years.

Helen was preceded in death by her long time companion Walter P. H. Emmsley, parents Lyma P. Hanohano, Mary Magdalene Kaiwi (Kolo) Chow and step-father Kut Chong Chow, sister Ethel (George) Suinn, sister Leona Kay Ferraro, sister Karen (Joseph) Koko, sister Norma McKenzie, brother-in-law Henry Nakao and grandson Chad Kalani Chow.

She is survived by her sons Wesley (Laurie) Chow, Russell (Jill) Chow, Clesson Hanohano, Mansfield Hanohano, Kennison (Jenelle) Hanohano, brother Arthur (Joy) Chow, sister Donna Nakao, brother-in-law Phillip Ferraro, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nephews and nieces.

Helen’s celebration of life services will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Niumalu Canoe Club in Kalapaki, Kaua‘i. Visitation will begin from 9 to 11 a.m., services and lunch will follow.

Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted 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.

Clement ‘Clem’ Joseph Soares

Clement “Clem” Joseph Soares, passed away on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, following a brief illness, at Poudre Valley Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was born on March 8, 1958 in Waimea, Kaua‘i, to Joseph and Margaret Soares.

Clement was a Kaua‘i High School graduate, Class of 1976. He worked as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic for McBryde Sugar Company until the company closed, then at Allied Machinery and finally for Kaua‘i Coffee.

Clement was preceded in death by his father Joseph A. Soares, mother Margaret K. Gaebler, brother Robert R. Soares and his wife Lisa Archibeque Soares.

Clement is survived by brothers Clifford (Analyn) Soares of Henderson, Nevada, Calvin (Leona) Soares of Kalaheo, Hawai‘i, Jared (Wanda) Soares of Fort Collins, Colorado, and a sister Carmel (Scott) Martin of Wesley Chapel, Florida. He has many uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews and cousins of which he was so fond of.

Finally, to the caring medical and nursing staff at UC Health’s Poudre Valley Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit who cared for him, and got to know him for the brief periods of time.

His nurses and hospital chaplains would sit with him for hours at a time, to comfort him and learn about growing up in Hawai‘i. Playing music with his brothers was a topic in all conversations. Last but not least, to Roger and Peggy Hageman, Clem’s dear friends, provided moral support to him upon his return to Fort Collins, Colorado. Their commitment to Clement, Jared and Wanda was there until his passing on Dec. 15.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

Antonio (Tony) Habagat

Antonio (Tony) Habagat, 99, passed away on Oct. 22, 2023, at Garden Isle Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. He was born on July 13, 1924, in Hanama‘ulu. He was a retired heavy equipment operator for McBryde and Grove Farm Company. He is mostly remembered as a person who likes to dance.

He was preceded in passing by his wife Dora, sons Clifford, Douglas and daughter Stephaine.

He is survived by his children Helen Kenney Wilson, Patrick Kenney, Greg Tolib (Suzette) Kenney, Sharon (David) Callahan, Vivian (Lodring) Raposas, Diana (Timmy) Texeira and Dayna (Michael) Ng. Also surviving are numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on March 23, 2024, at Koloa Neighborhood Center starting at 12 p.m.

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

Ernesto R. Aguinaldo

Ernesto R. Aguinaldo passed away on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at the age of 87 years old. He was born on July 23, 1936, in Kaumakani. He was a Sugar Cane Crane Operator Loader with Olokele Sugar Company.

He was preceded in death by parents Juan and Generosa Aguinaldo, son Wesley Aguinaldo, brothers Fausto Aguinaldo and Amado Aguinaldo.

He is survived by sons Stelzig Aguinaldo of Europe, Clayton Aguinaldo of Hanama‘ulu, daughters Leane (Eric) Aguinaldo-Medeiros of Koloa, Abbie Aguinaldo of Florida, grandchildren Brandon (Tai-li) Medeiros, Samantha (Shyla) Medeiros, Jason Aguinaldo, Joshua Aguinaldo, Rachel Aguinaldo, great-grandchildren Kalin Medeiros, Cyrus Medeiros, Kyra Medeiros, Ryan Medeiros, Peyton Medeiros, Kaizley Medeiros, brother Domingo (Sunday) Aguinaldo of Kaumakani, sisters Marina (Benjamin) Villatora of Puhi, Julia (Andy) Tambua of Wailua, Carol Rita of Eleele, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services to be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at The Garden Island Mortuary. Visitation is from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at the Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe. The family suggests casual attire and welcomes flowers.

Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Josephine Cortezan Duvauchelle

Josephine “Jo” Cortezan Duvauchelle, passed away peacefully at her home on Jan. 23, 2024, at the age of 96. Born on April 6, 1927 in Koloa, Hawai‘i, to Catalino Colorje Cortezan and Josefina Abaya Cortezan, Jo’s journey was one filled with love, family, and a spirit that touched all who knew her.

Jo received her baccalaureate in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 1951. She returned to Kaua‘i in 1952 and was a Public Health Nurse serving the Puhi and Hanama‘ulu districts for several years. In 1969, she became a Nursing Instructor at Kaua‘i Community College. Her expertise, compassion, and dedication played a vital role in the development and start up of the college’s esteemed nursing program, leaving a lasting impact on her students, community and patients. Jo received her Master of Science, Nursing, from the University of Hawai‘i in 1982. She retired as the Director of Nursing at Kaua‘i Community College in 1989. In 2014 she was honored as one of the “University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges’ 50 Finest.” Jo belonged to and served in several community and professional organizations, foundations and boards.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond Pihaleo Duvauchelle.

Jo leaves cherished memories for her children, Raymond Duvauchelle (Cathy), Douglas Duvauchelle (Jeanette), JoRae Baptiste (Rodney), Sheryl Ramos (Cedric), ten grandchildren Tiffany Marrote (Kimo), Mark Ruiz (Trisha), Kaulana Baptiste (Bethany), Ian Baptiste, Krystina Baptiste (Alex), Joshua Duvauchelle (Seth), Kelsey Duvauchelle (Kamen), Spencer Duvauchelle (Maddy), Kamuela Duvauchelle, Logan Baptiste, six great-grandchildren Carmela, Ezra, Jaxson, Jasper, Cannon and Kooper.

She is also survived by her sister Mary Alice “Mamie” Powelson and cousins Millie Wellington and Jeannie Odo, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Jo and Raymond proudly honored their family’s values and wisdom through their long standing membership with Koloa Union Church.

Join us in celebrating her life on March 2, 2024, at Koloa Union Church. The family will greet guests starting at 9:30 a.m. followed by a service at 10:30 a.m.

Contrado Acierto

Contrado Acierto passed away on Jan. 31, 2024, at home in Kapa‘a at the age of 84. He was born on March 25, 1939, in Koloa. He served in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard and was a supervisor at Tower Construction on O‘ahu.

He was preceded in death by parents Jose and Faustina Acierto, wife Helena Dabin Acierto, brothers Benjamin Acierto, Alfredo Acierto, sister Lazara Laboguen, son Allen “Moose” Lopez, grandson Anthony Waipa, granddaughter Juliana Lopez, and great-granddaughter Deysha Machado.

He is survived by daughters Esther (Raynard) Machado, Bernadette “Bernie” (Shilo) Pa, son Edmund “Eddie” (Kim) Acierto, Martin “Ali” Birtodaso, Garrick Lopez, Ronald (Jeanette) Lopez, Frederick “Joe” (Lihue) Lopez, Kathlyn Christian, Melissa Dabin, sisters Gloria (Larry-deceased) Rivera, Mary (Richard-deceased) Link, 32 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life is Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 2838 Kealia Road in Kealia beginning at 8 a.m. Inurnment will follow at St. Catherine Church Cemetery.

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

Camellia ‘Cami’ Ann Ditch-Crosby

Camellia “Cami” Ann Ditch-Crosby passed away on Dec. 19, 2023, at her residence at the age of 77 years old. She was born on July 15, 1946, in Lihu‘e. She was a childcare giver, secretary at Kaua‘i Medical Clinic, and office manager at the Lihu‘e Veterans Affair Administration Office.

She was preceded in death by mother Ramona Esquirra Akiyama, stepdad Minato Akiyama, hanai mother-in-law Florence Alfonso Dotario, father Warren Ditch, stepmother Peggy Ditch, brothers Donald Ditch, Mike Ditch and stepsister Sharon Kay McKinney.

She is survived by caregiver/youngest daughter Leah N. Dotario Alayvilla of Lawa‘i, sons Stanley (Lydia) Dotario Jr. of Kalaheo, daughter Ramona (Bernie) Agor of Kekaha, grandchildren Justin Dotario, Tiara (Sly) Dotario, Keith (Annie) Nonaka, Branden (Taelynn) Scovel, Kasey (Jr) Nonaka, Aleigha (Elijah) Scovel, Jenna (Wyatt) Scovel, Keanu (Iris) Dotario, Micah (Lexis) Scovel, nine great-grandchildren, brothers Warren (Connie) Ditch of Kaneohe, Stewart (Faye) Ditch of Surf City, North Carolina, Greg (Kathy) Ditch of Topeka, Kansas, Steven Sr. (Juanita) Ditch of Topeka, Kansas, Rocky (Tracy) Ditch of Topeka, Kansas, Scott (Sara) Ditch of Topeka, Kansas, Quintin (Sue) Ditch of Florida, sisters Cherisse Akiyama (Eugene) Relacion of Hawai‘i Kai, Lisa (Don) Ditch-Jenkins of Topeka, Kansas, Kim (Kevin) Hocking of Meriden, Kansas, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services to be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kalaheo. Visitation is from 8:30 to 10 a.m. followed by Mass at 10 a.m. The family suggests casual attire and welcomes flowers.

Cami will be remembered for her kindness, faith, and dedication to her family. Her grandchildren will never forget how gentle, sweet, and a proud grandmother she was who had a contagious laughter. She was a loving, caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She will always be remembered and missed.

Garden Island Mortuary assisted with the family with arrangements.

Diana Kathleen Marshman

Diana Kathleen Marshman, of Lihu‘e, passed away on Feb. 3, 2024, at the age of 80 years old. She was born in Long Beach, California, on Oct. 21, 1943, and was the owner and proprietor of Kaua‘i Gold and Kaua‘i Pearls.

She was preceded in passing by husband Robert Terry Marshman and parents William and Rosemary Glaser.

Diana is survived by children Laura Christine (Jeff Frisk) Koorenhof, Theron TJ (Manu) Marshman, grandchildren Jackson Koorenhof, Liliana Akuna, great-grandchildren Poli‘ahu Akuna and Kuha’o Akuna-Pa, and brother Steve (Shelly) Glaser.

A celebration of life for both Diana Marshman and Rosemary Glaser, will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Anini Beach Pavilion at 11 a.m.

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

Kristin J. Zalesky

May 7, 1972 — January 26, 2024

Kristy, the daughter of John Zalesky and Linda (Natale) Zalesky, passed away on January 26 after a two year bout with cancer.

Kristin was born on May 7, 1972 in Panorama City, California. She spent most of her younger years growing up in Agoura, California, graduated from Oak Park High School in 1990 and went on to Santa Barbara City College completing her studies. After graduation she moved to Hawai‘i where she began her career as a manager of many departments with the Hyatt Hotel system. At the time of her passing she was employed at the Grand Hyatt Resort in Koloa, Hawai‘i, where she was highly respected and loved by the entire staff.

Kristy was quite an active individual. She loved to travel and had been to many countries. She was also very athletic, ran in numerous 5-10 k runs. Other adventures were scuba diving and she also parachuted from a plane or two.

Although Kristy had no direct connection to the Northampton, Massachusetts area, her grandparents were from this city as well as many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins from the Natale family as well as the Sharac family.

Kristin is survived by her mother Linda, her father John and stepmother Carole, her brother John III and nephew John IV, her fiancé Mr. Sandy Gottllieb, her Aunt and Godmother M. Charlene Abrahamsen and Aunt Lucille Straub.