Obituaries for Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Peter Randall Riopta
Peter Randall Riopta
Peter Randall Riopta, of Hanama‘ulu, went home to heaven on May 7, 2024, at the age of 66. He was born on Jan. 11, 1958, on Oma‘o Bridge, Kaua‘i.
He was preceded in passing by father Pedro Redor Riopta, mother Juliet Ellasos Riopta, grandfather Silverio Ellasos, grandmother Suzie Salvacion and granddaughter Alazne Amorin.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Esther Jimenez Riopta, daughters Brooke (Travis) Aguinaldo, Amber (Emerson) Amorin, Casie Riopta, son Donovan Riopta, grandchildren Cainan Aguinaldo, Aryana Amorin, Alexia Amorin, Wana‘ao Naihe, Ethan Amorin, Cailer Aguinaldo, Caitlyn Aguinaldo, numerous aunties, uncles, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, nephew, uncle, friend, and coach to many. He will be greatly missed.
A celebration of life will be held on June 21, 2024, at Kaua‘i Veterans Center. Viewing at 8:30 a.m. Service at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Magdalina ‘Maggie’ Mission
Magdalina “Maggie” Mission passed away on May 14, 2024, in ‘Ele‘ele at the age of 87. She was born on Sept. 2, 1936, in Ewa, O‘ahu.
She was preceded in death by husband Richard (Sindy) Mission, Sr., parents Mariano Lahep and Eulalia Melchor Dominguez, brother Floyd Lahep, sisters Lina Agcaoili, Mercy Honorato, Pauline Gonzalez and Irene Carter.
She is survived by sons Jeffrey Mission (Toi) of Hanapepe, Derwin Abalos of Lihu‘e, Richard Missions, Jr. (Meina) of Las Vegas, Nevada, El Abalos, Jr. of Cerritos, California, hanai son Carlos Garcia of Cerritos, California, daughters Betty Carbullido of Moreno Valley, California, Cynthia Sone (Dereck) of Lihu‘e, Theresa DeLair of Waimea, Janean Blouin (Ray) of ‘Ele‘ele, Cindy Igne (Michael) of Kaumakani, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, sisters Sally Cabalo of Puhi, Fely Cabotaje of Gardena, California, numerous nieces and nephews.
A service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Reynaldo Jacinto Abrigo
Reynaldo Jacinto Abrigo passed away on May 17, 2024, in Lihu‘e at the age of 54. He was born on April 17, 1970, in the Philippines. He was a cook.
He was preceded in death by father Ramon Abrigo.
He is survived by mother Charito Abrigo, daughter Mina (Ferdie) Guerrero, sons Reyson Abrigo, Kasen Abrigo, sister Maribel (Lito) Mejia, brother Nino (Jodi) Abrigo, grandchildren Sofia Hermione Abrigo Guerrero, Isabella Grace Abrigo Guerrero, numerous nieces and nephews.
A service is Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Church in Lihu‘e. Visitation begins at 8:30 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m., and burial to follow at Kalapaki Bay Memorial Park.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Evelyn Rivera Bonachita (Melendez)
Evelyn Rivera Bonachita (Melendez), of Hanapepe, passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2024, at the age of 88. She was born on Nov. 21,1935, in Lihu‘e.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Genaro Kenneth Bonachita, son Michael Bonachita, grandson Levi Tolbe, father Manuel Borilez, mother Dominica Veracruz Borilez, siblings Isabella Anduha, Victoria Cancel, Mary Watson, Louie Tory, Harold Melendez, Israel Melendez, Rita Wiltfang, Daniel Melendez, Andrew Borilez and Ronald Borilez.
She is survived by her children Judith Leilani (Andres Jr.) Carino, Jacquelyn Braun, Joseph Bonachita, Jessie (Garrick) Barretto, Sharlene (Barney) Valdez, Kareen Gardner, Debbie (Eddie) Ponting, Beverly (Anthony) Kauahi, grandchildren Malia, Mathew, Kiana, Andres III, Keanu, Alisa, Tania, Ryenn, Tia, Taylor, Travis, Janai, Kenlyn, Keneke, Jonathan, Kalen, David, Zach, Toni, Wanda, Michael Jr., Janelle, Naomi, Michael, Carla, 43 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law Julie Bonachita, sister Sylvia Hardy, sister-in-law Pauline Borilez, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kalaheo Ward on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. followed by service at 11 a.m.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mary Ann Akana Bender
Mary Ann Akana Bender passed away peacefully at home in Keapana on May 22, 2024, at the age of 91. She was born on Sept. 26, 1932, in Waimea, Kaua‘i.
She was a “people person” and a great listener, a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools Class of 1950, a sports fan, especially of the ‘Bows. She loved her family and friends and prayed for many.
She loved our Heavenly Father.
She was preceded in death by her husband James Bender, sons Kimo and Shane, parents Nicholas and Tillie Perreira Akana, siblings Adam, James and Katherine.
She is survived by her son Mark (TJ Love) of Texas, daughter Donna Kuulei (Roy) Ho of Keapana, grandchildren Guy (Jona) Ho, James (Monique) Bender, Kekoa Bender, Ryan (Tina) Ho, Sean (Anne) Ho, great-grandchildren Gabrielle, Gavin, Kaiolohia, James, Charlton, Zoey, Sophia, Ayla, Jacob, Hadley, Ashton, Ethan, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held Thursday, June 20, 2024, at St. Catherine Church in Kapa‘a. Visitation from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Mass to follow at 10 a.m. Burial will be private. The family requests flowers be omitted and graciously declines monetary gifts (koden). If you wish, a donation to the church or your favorite charity is maika‘i.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tina Marie Leilani Soboleski (Aki)
Tina Marie Leilani Soboleski (Aki) passed away at home on May 30, 2024, while surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on April 14, 1973, in Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i. She spent most of her days being surrounded by her family and loved spending time with her animals, which included her dogs and horses. Known for being a sweet soul to most who met her. She loved every person she met wholly and unconditionally.
Survived by her parents Melvin “Bully” Aki and Sandra Wunschel, two daughters Nalanimae (Justin Dannog) Soboleski, Nohealani (Taylor Lemke) Soboleski, three sons Brett (Mahogany) Vegas-Soboleski, Bradshaw (Brianna Ellegard) Soboleski, and Brock Soboleski, grandchildren Amelia Vegas and Zyrus Ventura, siblings Melvin (Kau‘i) Aki, Sandy Consylman, and Kalani Aki, hanai sister Kelly Parr, and numerous aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services will be held at St. Catherine Church in Kapa‘a on June 14, 2024. Visitation will begin at 8 a.m. with Mass to follow at 10 a.m.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Clifton Yoshisuke Hayashi
Clifton Yoshisuke Hayashi, of Kapa‘a, passed away on May 22, 2024, at the age of 87. He was born in Lihu‘e on May 4, 1937. He retired from the U.S. Army and afterwards worked as a supervisor for C. Brewer Chemical.
He was preceded in passing by his loving wife of 53 years, Tomeko Hayashi and his parents Keisuke and Shizuko Hayashi.
Clifton is survived by his children Wesley Hayashi, Gene (Jacklyn) Hayashi, Christine (Stephen) Brown, grandchildren Starlene Baptiste, Charles Brown, Maile Maeda, Trevor Boro, Kira (Tyrus) Ceria-Lux, Justin (Camille) Hayashi, Mitsy Hayashi, Ridge Hayashi, Keesha Brown, great-grandchildren Cherie (Noa) Townsend, Renee Baptiste, James Baptiste, Kahealani (Arist) DeWolff, Ponomaikalani Yoshizawa-Brown, Tiare Brown, Taneal Brown, Kalanuikea Baptiste, Ezikiel Brown, Akoni Villatora, Alize Brown, Kaiea Lum, Makoa Lemke-Hayashi, Charles Jr. Brown, Kimie Maeda, Khailee Maeda, Kaia Ceria-Lux, Cassie Hayashi, Jordyn Hayashi, Kyrus Ceria-Lux, Cyrus Chase Brown, great-great-grandchildren Naveah Baptiste, Tatienna DeWolfe, Natalija DeWolff, Keawe Townsend, Jaxon Baptiste, siblings Joan Yamamoto, Nelson Hayashi, Jean Naito, and Melvin (Eunice) Hayashi.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, with visitation from 9 a.m. and services beginning at 10 a.m. at Kapa‘a Jodo Mission. Burial to follow at Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe at 1 p.m.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Anna Aukai Seabury Maglinti
Anna Aukai Seabury Maglinti, 95, of Kapa‘a, passed away at home on June 3, 2024. She was born in Lahaina, Maui, on May 8, 1929, and retired from Kaua‘i Surf Hotel as dining room supervisor.
Preceded in death by her husband Alexander Maglinti, son Bryan Maglinti, grandson Darell J.K. Maglinti, parents William and Anna Hoolulu Seabury, four brothers and two sisters.
She is survived by her sons Darell Maglinti of O‘ahu, Alexander (Jin) Maglinti Jr. of California, Andrew (Michele) Maglinti of Kaua‘i, Carlan (Amy) Maglinti of Kaua‘i, daughter Nolia “Girlie” Maglinti of Kaua‘i, 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, three nephews (sons of late Raymond and Harriett Seabury) Kekai, Kala and Keoni Seabury, caregiver Robert and Rosalia Roman, numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at St. Catherine Church with viewing from 9 a.m. and Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements.
Eloise Lehua Taniguchi
Eloise Lehua Taniguchi, of Pakala, Kaua‘i, passed away on June 8, 2024, at her residence at the age of 84. She was born on Nov. 1, 1939, at Wilcox Hospital, Kaua‘i. Eloise was a retired custodian at Waimea Canyon School, happily married to her late husband for 59 years. She found joy in venturing with family and friends. Eloise was known for her open door policy, taking in anyone who needed a place to stay and her “read my lips” attitude. Eloise lived her life to the fullest and left peacefully surrounded by families and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Eddie Taniguchi Jr., parents Henry and Deborah Kanoho, sons George Keoki Taniguchi, Eddie Taniguchi III, sisters Ruth Goo, Grathana Cabral, Rowena Soares, Eldean Diggs, brothers Steven Konoho, Waianuhea Kanoho, Bruce Kanoho and Henry Kanoho Jr.
She is survived by sons Roger (Lisa) Taniguchi of Pakala, Manuel Taniguchi of Lihu‘e, Eric Morris of Kalaheo, daughter Jasmine (Charlie) Taniguchi-Kahepu‘u of Kekaha, grandchildren Eloise Taniguchi, Wyatt, Cody Taniguchi, Hoku Taniguchi, Britney Koenig Taniguchi, Jessica, Eric Jr., Trixy, Ciara Morris, Alannah GIrod, Gabby, Nohili, Charlie Jr., Shania Kahepu‘u, 27 great-grandchildren, brothers Rawlin Kanoho, Harry Kanoho, sisters Leilani Suenaga, Marie Ornellas, Jacquelyn (Greg) Figueira, numerous nieces and nephews.
A service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Celebration of life from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Lunch to follow.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Roland Thomas Montanus
Roland Thomas Montanus was born May 23, 1934, and died June 7, 2024, in Seminole, Florida. Tom Montanus took his last breath on June 7, 2024, at 12:45 a.m., with his son Keith Montanus by his bedside. He was born May 23, 1934, to Hugo and Genevieve Montanus in Winter, Wisconsin.
Tom served in the Air Force from May 1953 to April 1957 and then graduated from Illinois State University. He was a devoted teacher and principal for 46 years. He donated his time working with the youth and choir at West Bradenton Baptist Church in his free time. He enjoyed playing tennis when his health allowed him to play. Tom lived the last 7 years in Waimea, Kaua‘i, with his wife Helen Masaki.
Tom is survived by his wife Helen Masaki, his two sons, Keith Montanus (wife, Amy Montanus), Todd Montanus (wife, Lisa Montanus), two grandchildren Stephanie Ralston (husband, Cole Ralston), three great-grandkids Landon, Lyla, and Rhett and Saide Larson (husband, Chad Larson) two great-grandkids Margaret and Georgia.
He will be remembered as a devoted man in the development of children, a server, a good brother, father, and leader. He will be celebrated with a gathering of family and close friends on Saturday, June 15. Time and place to be announced. He requests donations to be made to Waimea United Church of Christ. https://tgilinks.com/4bW1Lak
Ruby Kawaiulailiahi Pia Cummings
Ruby Kawaiulailiahi Pia Cummings, of Anahola, beloved wife, dedicated homemaker, and a pillar in her ‘Ohana, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on May 20, 2024. Born on Jan. 23, 1934, in Waimea Valley and raised in Hanama‘ulu, Ruby’s life was marked by love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her ‘Ohana and extended family.
Ruby is preceded in passing by her loving Husband of 57 years, Gary Frank Cummings Sr., her parents John Pia and Miriam Taniguchi Pia, her siblings Lily Ki‘ilau, Madeline Raymond, Joseph Pia, George Pia and Arthur Pia, and her grandson, Gary Frank Cummings III.
She is survived by her children Frank (Sandy) Cummings, Sharlyn (Philip) Delos Reyes, Lizann (Gerard) Oga, Momi (Alan) Carvalho, Steve (Candice) Cummings, Ed (Michel) Cummings, Randall (Lexi) Cummings, Puanani (Boom) Gomes, Sherri Cummings, as well as her siblings John Pia Jr. and Hiram (Karen) Pia, along with sisters-in-law Agnes Apo and Charlene Cummings.
Ruby’s legacy extends through her 29 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren, who will continue to honor her memory through the generations. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, June 22, at the Cummings Farm in Anahola on Hulu Place. Please follow the designated signage, visitation and services will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with burial to follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens. Casual or Aloha attire is requested, lei are welcomed. Lunch to follow after the burial at the Cummings Farm.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Manuel ‘Manny’ Lopez Jr.
Manuel “Manny” Lopez Jr. was called to the heavenly shores on April 17, 2024. He was 83. Manny was born on Kaua‘i on May 13, 1941.
He was preceded in death by his parents Eulogia and Manuel and sister Connie Ceda. But those he left behind will never forget him.
He is survived by his wife Estrelita, daughter, Julie (Adam), son Nole (Marianne), nephew Eric Carbonel, sister Teodocia Lastimosa, grandchildren, Athan Marsh and Noelani Lopez, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Manny had a passion for fishing, family and friends. His love for all three was unwavering.
A celebration of life will be held on June 14, 2024, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary in Koloa, Hawai‘i. Please join us at 10 a.m. for lunch and sharing of memories.