KOLOA — The Rev. Deacon Thomas Patrick Contrades was described as “a beacon of light that touched many lives.” “He was a true family man, community and business advocate, staunch volunteer, and a spiritual leader who guided and encouraged people’s
KOLOA — The Rev. Deacon Thomas Patrick Contrades was described as “a beacon of light that touched many lives.”
“He was a true family man, community and business advocate, staunch volunteer, and a spiritual leader who guided and encouraged people’s spiritual journey,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. “He is a testament to the power one person has to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Contrades passed away at the age of 67 on Friday.
The mayor said Contrades’ death left him heartbroken.
”On behalf of my family and the people of Kauai, we send our heartfelt condolences to Tommy’s wife, Jackie, and the entire Contrades ‘Ohana,” the mayor said in a statement sent to The Garden Island.
Contrades was appointed by Carvalho as an executive assistant to the Mayor, serving as the capital improvement projects manager from 2010 to 2012. He later served as a volunteer chaplain for the Kauai Police Department from 2014 until his death.
Contrades served on several government board commissions such as the Kauai Planning Commission, the Hawaiian Homes Commission and the State Land Use Commission. He also volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, Hale ‘Opio, Kauai Economic Opportunity, the Kauai United Way and Na Kupa‘a O Kuhio.
Contrades was a deacon for the Diocese of Honolulu at St. Raphael Church in Koloa.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday. Visitation will begin at 8 a.m. with Mass to follow at 9:30 a.m. Bishop Larry Silva will preside.
