Charles ‘Charlie’ Roessler
Charles “Charlie” Roessler, 75, passed away peacefully in his home and surrounded by his family on April 18, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. He left behind two dilapidated mowers, enough scrap wood to build a house, and every piece of clothing he ever owned, because “you never know when you might need it.”
He is survived by his overly selfless and loving wife Chie, who meant the world to him. He is also survived by sons Ed and Gabe Roessler and brothers Peter and Michael Roessler.
He was preceded in death by parents Charles (Eddie) and Patricia Roessler, and sister Nancy Wright.
He grew up in Buffalo, New York, as the oldest of four children. He had an illustrious career that included teaching in the Virgin Islands and Kaua‘i, interviewing music legends like James Brown and Smoky Robinson, and writing for The Japan Times, The Buffalo News, The New York Times and Fodors. However, to those close to him, he will be remembered for who he was beyond these accomplishments.
He was witty and smart. If you brought up a topic to him, he would always have something insightful to add. He also had the famous Roessler memory, and his ability to recall stories was second to none.
He was funny, and always tried to find the humor in things, whether it was making a pun or flexing in his favorite “Canadian bathing suit” (his underwear). Even toward the end when he could barely speak, he would wiggle his eyebrows to make Chie laugh as she entered the room.
He was caring. He was always there for his family, and willing to drop everything to ensure their safety and happiness. He was at every game and event, cheering us on and expressing his opinions. He volunteered and did things like coach youth basketball teams and teach elementary school children grammar and writing. He always gave back to the community.
Lastly, he was strong. He battled three cancers and never quit. He fought hard to get back on the tennis court and to the family he loved. And as things got harder, he never complained. He took joy in the things he could still do.
He was loved by many, and love never dies. We are thankful that he can finally rest in peace, cancer-free. Surely, at this very moment, he’s playing on a tennis court somewhere.
A small celebration of life was held on May 2.
Florencio Tangonan
Florencio Tangonan, 100, of Hanama‘ulu, passed away on April 24, 2021, at home. He was born in 23 Paninaan, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, on Nov. 7, 1920, and retired from Lihu‘e Plantation Company.
He was preceded in death by son Macario Tangonan, brothers Juan and Samuel Tangonan, sisters Valentina Visitacion, Anesita Rivera, Visitacion Dalire and Bernarda Galapon, and son-in-law Sinforoso Antonio.
He is survived by wife Claridad Tangonan, son Rizal Tangonan, daughters Consolacion Antonio and Noralyn (Nestor) Arizabal, grandchildren Agnes (Jose) Bermudez of Chicago, Alvin Antonio of O‘ahu, Lhaylalyn Tangonan of San Diego, Rotsen Arizabal of O‘ahu and Cheryl Arizabal of O‘ahu, and great-grandchildren Lorenalyn and Jhayden Maldonado of San Diego.
A celebration of life is Saturday, May 29, at Immaculate Conception Church. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with Mass to follow at 10 a.m. After Mass has concluded, a viewing will begin at 11 a.m. at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, with burial to follow there at 1:30 p.m.
Social distancing and face masks are required.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Cipriano Ragocos Jr.
Cipriano Ragocos Jr. passed away on May 6, 2021, at the age of 73, at his residence. He was born on May 23, 1947, in Waimea.
He was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, and retired as a drip irrigation crew chief for Kekaha Sugar Company. He also worked for Syngenta, Global Ag and Becks. He enjoyed being a shoreline fisherman and vacationed yearly to Las Vegas.
He was preceded in death by parents Cipriano Ragocos Sr. and Marcelo and Moyo Rapanot, son Marc K.Y. Ragocos, nephew Kevin Jon Ragocos and brother-in-law Jody Alvarez.
He is survived by wife Nora Doronio Ragocos of Kekaha, son Cipriano Ragocos III aka Cippyboy (Cheryl Stoddard) of Kekaha, daughters Yone Ragocos (Roy Caberto) of Kekaha and Kaysha Leina‘ala Ragocos of Kekaha, grandchildren Kaylah Kimokeo-Ragocos, Kaira Malone, Austin Ragocos-Apo, Syone Apo and Mason Camara, great-grandchild Braxton-Keali‘i Kimokeo-Ragocos-Caoagdon, favorite dog Prince, brothers Burt (Angela) Rapanot Sr. of Kekaha and Brian (Elaine) Rapanot of Kekaha, sisters Jilly (Dennis) Gerken of Texas, Rachel Alvarez of Kekaha, Karen (Wesley Sr.) Yadao of Kekaha, Mary “Mila” (Royce) Rapanot of Kekaha, Theresa (Daron “Bones) Nakata of Hanapepe, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A walk-thru visitation is Saturday, May 29, from 9 to 10 a.m., with a celebration of life to follow. Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Bernardo ‘Pastor Dong’ Nadarisay
Bernardo “Pastor Dong” Nadarisay, of Lihu‘e, passed away on May 9, 2021, at Straub Hospital, O‘ahu at the age of 80.
Born in Hawaii on May 9, 1941, he was a pastor at Way of Salvation Church, Kapa‘a and served in U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by parents Cecilio and Hertrudes Nadarisay, wife Connie Nadarisay, brothers Raymond Villatora and Victoriano Villatora, sisters Mercedes Inez and Gregoria Caberto, and son-in-law Neil Apuna.
He is survived by sons Paul (Rochelle) Hernandez and Isaac (Nikki) Nadarisay, daughter Dawn Hernandez, stepbrother Edison Erorita, stepsister Christine Silva, brothers, Antonio (Candice) Nadarisay and Frank (Coleen) Nadarisay, sisters Diane Vierra, Florence Alviar, Julie Lopez and Dolores Alimboyguen, 16 grandchildren and five great- grandchildren.
Friends may visit the family on Thursday, June 3, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary in Koloa, with visitation at 9 a.m. and service at 11:15 a.m. Burial will be at 1 p.m. at Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe.
Due to COVID-19, limited seating is available. Social distancing and masks are required.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ida S. Vidinha
Ida S. Vidinha passed away on May 17, 2021 at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.
She was born on Dec. 6, 1927, in Hanama‘ulu.
She was a housewife.
She was preceded in death by husband Edward M. Vidinha, parents Manuel and Maria Silva and siblings Ceazer Silva, Joe Silva, Ernest Silva, Alfred “Max Bear” Silva, George Silva, Emily Furtado, Hilda Corema, Violet Newcomb, Margaret Honor and Shirley Goias.
She is survived by son Harrison “Scotty” (Roxanne) Vidinha of ‘Ele‘ele, daughters Deborah (Richard) Morris of Hanama‘ulu, Cobina (Joey) Pimental of Kalaheo and Penny (Dwight) Matsushima of Hanapepe, special friends Martina Hilldofer and Cheryl Ueno, 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services are Friday, May 28, at Garden Island Mortuary, with a walk-thru visitation from 8 to 10 a.m. and a celebration from 10 to 11 a.m. Due to COVID 19 masks and social distancing are required.
There will be a private burial at Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery.
Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tatsuki ‘Ed’ Someda
Tatsuki “Ed” Someda passed away on May 3, 2021, at home at the age of 87.
He was born on May 28, 1933 in Waimea.
He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and government property administrator for the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands near Kekaha, NASA, and various stations on the Marshall Islands.
He was preceded in death by parents Mataki and Mayo Someda.
He is survived by wife Sri Someda, daughters Derlene Leiko Someda, Renee Someda and Natalie (Tracy) Payes, son Jared Someda, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, former wife Lourdes Sylvia Akana, sisters Jan Takamura and family, Elsie Uniaki and family and Sally Yamanoha and family.
He was best known for his knife-tying skills, his love for shoreline fishing and his oxtail soup at Sri’s Cafe.
A private service was held due to COVID-19.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
