Bennett John Duarte
Bennett John Duarte, 61, passed away on Sept. 8, 2021.
He was preceded in death by parents Edward and Laura (Gomes) Duarte, brother Howard Duarte, and sisters Phyllis (Duarte) Fiorucci and Arlene (Duarte) Heiser.
He is survived by wife Katherine Pupu Kanahele, sons Bennett J. “Ioane” Kanahele Duarte, David K. Kanahele-Duarte of Kekaha, stepson Dillion (Kayla) Kanahele of Kekaha, brothers Dennis (Chantal) Duarte of Kekaha, Thomas (Barbie) Duarte of Waimea and Alan (Liza) Duarte of Wailua, sisters Gladys Louise Taylor of Las Vegas and Betty (Michael) Pesce of San Rafael, California, sister-in-law Christine “Tina” (Howard – deceased) Duarte of Hanapepe, brother-in-law Gigi (Phyllis – deceased) Fiorucci of San Francisco, aunt Alice Palmeira, uncle George Duarte, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral Mass is Saturday, Oct. 16, at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church in Waimea, with visitation from 8 to 9 a.m. followed by Mass at 9 a.m. A private family urn committal will follow at Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, face masks and social distancing are required.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Patricia Primero Beach
Patricia Primero Beach of Copperas Cove, Texas, passed away on Sept. 13, 2021, at the age of 72. She was born in Lihu‘e on June 5, 1949. She was a 1967 graduate of Kapa‘a High School and retired from the AAFES after 37 years.
She was preceded in death by husband of 48 years Javonne Beach (deceased Aug. 29, 2021), mother Beatrice Nawanao and stepfather Francisco Nawanao.
She is survived by daughters Dawn Lgessig of San Antonio, Texas and Von Casto of Copperas Cove, Texas, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sisters Beverly Primero of Kapa‘a and Linda Lopez of Hilo, Hawai‘i, brother Felix Primero of Lancaster, California, and numerous nieces nephews, great-grandnephews and grandnieces.
Services were held in Copperas Cove, Texas on Sept. 21. Burial will be at Arlington Memorial Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be sent to Linda Lopez, 517 Ho‘opuni St., Hilo, HI 96720.
Aloha sister Pat and brother Joe. We love you.
Richard Kenji Maeda
Richard Kenji Maeda, 87, passed away on Sept. 4, 2021, in San Diego. He was a retired contractor and president of Kaua‘i Builders, Ltd.
Born in Lihu‘e on Oct. 29, 1933, he grew up on Kaua‘i with his older brother, Tetsuro “Rosy,” and his younger sister, Jane, alongside many cousins.
He attended Washington State University and pursued a career in civil engineering. After his father’s death, he returned to Kaua‘i to help run the family business, Kaua‘i Builders, Ltd. He eventually took the lead as president of the company when his brother Rosy passed away.
He was an active community member, serving in organizations such as the Lions Club and on various boards and commissions throughout the years. An avid golfer, he could be found almost every weekend at Wailua Golf Course. After losing his older daughter, Cathy, to leukemia in 2009, he and his wife, Yukie, vowed to support medical and cancer research organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Be The Match. In his semi-retirement, they moved to San Diego to live closer to family. His wife of 50 years, Yukie, passed away in 2019. The highlights of his final years centered around his time with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by parents Tsugie and Itsuzo Maeda, brother Rosy Maeda, wife Yukie Maeda and daughter Catherine Stibbard.
He is survived by daughter Sandra (Guy) Oshiro of San Diego, son in-law John Stibbard, grandchildren Jaime Stibbard, Colin Stibbard, Sarina Oshiro and Julia Oshiro, sister Jane Morioka, sister-in-law Bessie Maeda, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be held on Kaua‘i at a later date when it is safe to travel again. The family requests no koden (monetary gifts). Condolences can be sent to 12177 Salix Way, San Diego, CA 92129.
Doris ‘Aunty Doris’ Refamonte
Doris “Aunty Doris” Refamonte, born Nov. 7, 1938 on Kaua‘i, passed away on Sept.16, 2021 at the age of 82, in her hometown of Lihu’e.
She was preceded in death by father Tomas Refamonte, mother Leoncia “Lynn” Cabinatan Cuyo, stepfather Timot Cuyo, brothers Tomas “Ondo” Refamonte Jr., Jerry Refamonte and Timothy Cuyo and sister Jean Refamonte Redira.
She is survived by brother Ronald (Koran) Refamonte, sisters Janet (Domingo) Largusa, Pearl (Raymond) Awana and Beverly (Edward) Cuyo, brother-in-law Manny Redira, sisters-in-law Kathleen Refamonte and Evelyn Cuyo Ferrer, and numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Oct. 16, at Immaculate Conception Church, 4453 Kapaia Rd., Lihu‘e, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Kalapaki Bay Memorial Park, near Kaua‘i High School.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with the arrangements.
