Obituaries for Wednesday, April 17, 2024
William Neil Rapozo, Sr.
William Neil Rapozo, Sr.
William Neil Rapozo, Sr., was called to the Lord on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on Dec. 7, 1931, in Hanama‘ulu, Kaua‘i.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Gloria Rapozo, In-laws Joseph and Georgina Nunes, brothers-in-law Donald Nunes, Clesson Ching, sisters-in-law Linda Rapozo and Jessie Sam-Fong.
He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years Mildred Nunes Rapozo, son William “Bill” Neil (Cynthia) Rapozo, Jr., daughters Susan (Roger) Caires, Diane Rapozo and Dale (Norman) Matsuura. Neil was the oldest of 5 siblings, Grace Ching, Marie (Ronald) Victorino, Thomas Rapozo, Raymond (Maureen) Rapozo. Grandchildren Teresa (Randall) Nero, Tisha Rapozo (Chris) Soares, Clyde (Tyra) Caires, Keith Caires, Samantha Matsuura, Michelle Matsuura, 16 great grandchildren, 17 great-great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Neil began his career working for the Lihu‘e Plantation Company in 1950. He was a supervisor in Irrigation, Planting, Harvesting & Experimentation.
In his early years, he worked second jobs with Achors & Grayline as a driver of stretch-outs and buses. In 1972, he along with his son, Bill and brother-in-law Donald became the Chevron Dealer of Kapaia Chevron and later as the dealer for Lihu‘e Chevron on Rice Street until it’s closing in 2000. Following his Chevron retirement, he joined Kaua‘i Commercial Company/A&B as a truck driver delivering cargo throughout the island of Kaua‘i.
He was a member of the Hawai‘i Wing Civil Air Patrol serving on CAP Emergency Services missions, flying as a pilot or crew member in air searches, disaster relief operations, radio communications, homeland security operations and tsunami warnings. He was involved with Kaua‘i Ballroom dancing and the Hanama‘ulu Community/Neighborhood Association.
His celebration of life is Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Church. Visitation begins at 8:30 a.m. with Mass at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens.
The family would also like to express their deep gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Monty Downs and the Kaua‘i Hospice staff for providing exceptional care and making his final days at home comfortable. A big mahalo to the staff at Lihu‘e Fire Department, Agency on Elderly Affairs, Wilcox Medical Center, American Medical Response EMS, and Stay at Home Healthcare Services.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens assisted the family with arrangements.
Evelyn Juan Cardinez
Evelyn Juan Cardinez, of Kaumakani, passed away on March 14, 2024, in Hanapepe, at the age of 91. She was born on Nov. 30, 1932, in the Philippines. She was truck driver for Olokele Sugar Plantation and a kitchen staff at Matsuura Store.
She was preceded in death by husband Steven H. Cardinez, parents Elpidia Tambio, Daniel Juan, stepsons Ronald Cardinez, Michael M. Cardinez, stepdaughter Lydia Castillo, brothers Fernando Juan, Bernardo Juan, sisters Juaquina Quelnat, Monica Juan and son-in-law David Banquel.
She is survived by sons Manolo (Ces) Delos Reyes of Kaumakani, James (Angela) Delos Reyes of Kaumakani, Steven R. (Karen) Cardinez of Florida, Alex (Shari) Cardinez of California, stepson Clarence (Carmen) Cardinez of California, daughters Celia Mancia of Oregon, Nelda Banquel of Hanapepe, stepdaughters Frances Bunao of Lihu‘e, Carol (Burt) Gonsalves of California, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at the Garden Island Mortuary on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m., with service to follow. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Frances Carreira
Frances Carreira passed away peacefully at home at the age of 96 on Friday, March 22, 2024. She was born on July 26, 1927, in Kealia, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i. She was the Head Hostess at the Coconut Palms Hotel.
She was preceded in death by her husband William “Bill” Carreira, her parents John F. and Ida Baretto, son George (Teri) Alves, daughter Patricia (the late Robert, Sr.) Cremer, sister Bernice Ornellas and brother John Baretto.
Her surviving family is her daughters Eileen (Philip, Sr.) Rapozo, Charlotte (David) Rapozo of Kapa‘a, son David (Donna) Alves of Jamestown, California, stepchildren Dorothy Costillo of Las Vegas, Herbert Carreira of Kapa‘a. Her three sisters are Dolores Barreira, Mona Mock and Theresa Weiry. Also, numerous nieces, nephews and many loved ones.
Frances was blessed with her family of 5 children, 23 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren and 61 great-great-grandchildren. She was the queen of five generations with 156 loved ones.
A celebration of Frances’ life will be held at St. Catherine’s Church on Saturday, April 20 at 10 a.m.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Stanley ‘Boy’ Ahana Chock Jr.
Stanley “Boy” Ahana Chock Jr. passed away on March 23, 2024, at the age 54 at Wilcox Memorial Hospital. He was born on April 4, 1969, in Hawai‘i. Stanley was employed at Hawaiian Building Maintenance.
He was preceded in death by parents Stanley Chock Sr. and Mikala Woodruff.
Stanley is survived by wife Emmaline Semana, daughter Brittany Chock, sons Stanley “Braddah” (Yoko) Chock III, granddaughter Hima, Brendon (Janelle) Chock, granddaughters Keziah, Salem, River, Jireh, sisters Mildred “Ulu” (James) Rita, Lorraine (Donovan) Rivera, Nohea (Tony) Bernaldes, Kahea (J.J.) Niau, numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Waimea Canyon Park Pavilion. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with services at 11 a.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Aaley Kauhanelani Pahulehua
Aaley Kauhanelani Pahulehua, of O‘ahu, passed away on March 22, 2024, at Kuakini Medical Center at the age of 36. She was born on Dec. 7, 1987, in Waimea, Kaua‘i. She was the Director of Admissions at ‘Ohana Pacific Health.
She was preceded in death by mother Rhoda Susana Pahulehua and brother Melvin Pahulehua.
She is survived by father Melvin Kauwila Opio Pahulehua, brothers Ainsley Kahanuola Pahulehua, Dave Keikiokalani Pahulehua, sisters Princess Anelalani Pahulehua, Holly Healohalani Pahulehua, Gina Kahokuokalani (Aaron Michael) Shintani, numerous uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Viewing, visitation and celebration of life from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The family welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ellen Sumie Daly
Ellen Sumie Daly, 89, passed away on Feb. 11, 2024, at her home in Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i. She was born on April 26, 1934, in Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i. She was a loving stay-at-home mother.
Ellen was preceded in death by parents Yeiji and Maka Miyashiro.
She is survived by son Paul (Chanella) Daly, daughter Dawn (Isidro) Novoa, 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grand child.
A celebration of life is Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Kapa‘a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kapa‘a. Service will begin at 1 p.m. The family requests aloha attire.
Donald Dotario
Donald Dotario, age 81, died peacefully in his home after a prolonged illness on March 4, 2024.
Donald is survived by his wife of 50 years, Masako, his two children, Celestina Hawthorne-Zimmer (William, Sr.), Valex Dotario, two grandsons James Hawthorne, William Zimmer, Jr., three brothers, Rio Dotario of Richmond, California, Stanley Dotario and Ronnie Dotario of Kalaheo, Hawai‘i, two sisters Joan Diaz-Souza of Paauilo, Hawai‘i, Cheryl White of Wallback, West Virginia, as well as, many nieces and nephews. Proceeded in death one brother, Lewis Andrade.
Donald was born on June 27, 1942, in Puunene, Maui, Hawai‘i, but raised in Kalaheo, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, to Especio Dotario, Sr., and Florence Alfonso. Who also proceeds him in death.
In 1964 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Vietnam, attached to the First Infantry Division, where he did five tours and was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm. After the war, he continued to serve his country honorably for 21 years; reaching the rank of Sargent First Class. In addition, Donald worked with Moral, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) at McLaughlin Fitness Center, in Fort Lee, Virginia, for 21 years.
The family is making arrangements for a memorial service and burial at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. To be announced later. The family is being served by J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home.
Thomas Galicinao Soriano
Thomas Galicinao Soriano, of Lihu‘e, passed away on March 12, 2024, at home at the age of 100. He was born on Feb. 12, 1924, in the Philippines. He was an Irrigation Technician.
He was preceded in death by parents Alberto and Desideria Soriano, siblings Emilia Soriano Sagucio, Cosmi Soriano, Gerardo Soriano, Francisco Soriano, Carmen Sagucio Soriano and Esminia Soriano.
He is survived by wife Nives Pedronan Soriano, son Irineo (Thelma Pascual) Soriano of Lihu‘e, Ruben (Darlene) Soriano of Lihu‘e, Edwin (Luz) Soriano of San Diego, California, daughters Emilie (Dominador) Bucasas of Lihu‘e, Shirley Yoshida Moriguchi of Lihu‘e, 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, Grant Yoshida, 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, Olivia Bucasas, numerous nieces and nephews.
A service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation begins 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.
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, and 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.
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, attended Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary and graduated from Kaua‘i High School class of 1979. 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 enjoyed dancing hula with Hälau Ka Pä Hula O Hinano, sewing various patterns throughout her youth into adulthood, attended Hale o Na Ali‘i Hälau o Kapi‘olani as iku Moe, loved the beauty of the beach and spending quality time with her classmates and family.
Sandra was a hard worker and mother to her only daughter, Auika Metcalfe. Her legacy and priority was always to help her community, share her love of her Hawaiian culture, and provide for her family. She was a loving mother, Mimi, daughter, sister, aunty, cousin, co-worker and friend.
Sandra is preceded in death by her father Naoto Yatsuoka, 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 begins at 9 a.m. with services at 10 a.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Jonathan ‘Jon’ Steven Sabala
Jonathan “Jon” Steven Sabala, 67, passed away on Feb. 12, 2024, in Ewa Beach, O‘ahu. He was born on May 21, 1956, in Waimea, Kaua‘i. He was a retired heavy equipment operator and member of the Local 3 Operating Engineer’s Union for over 30 years.
He was preceded in death by parents Joseph and Susanna Sabala.
He is survived by sons Jon Jon, Justin Sabala, brother Leonard Sabala, sister Shelley Jo Espiritu, six grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo. Viewing begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by service at 10 a.m. A private burial will be held at Kekaha Cemetery. The family requests casual attire.
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.
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.
