Obituaries for Sunday, July 3, 2022
Stanley Raymond Vasques
Stanley Raymond Vasques
Darling, Dad, Papa, Vovo, Bradah, Uncle, Stan, Vas
1944—2022
FROM A GRANDCHILD’S PERSPECTIVE
Papa was born on April 29, 1944, to Frank Vasques and Minnie Machado. From a young age, he sat at the feet of the older generations, learning lessons, family connections, and the wonders of being a cowboy. He laughed at his older sister, Evelyn, like any brother would. She and her husband, Herb, love him fiercely, and spent hours eating lunch with him next to their koi pond and canaries at the end of his work days, framing and hanging every photo of him and his family they could get their hands on.
He was raised on the sugar plantation of Kealia. He was a skilled horsemen. He shoed horses for 40 years. He spent his life working and serving every community on the island. He lived his whole life between the mountain ranges of Makaleha and Kalalea. He worked his whole life, and his hands told the story —callous, skeddagas, cuts, “the horse been catch my finger.”
We have been told by many that he could do anything — he was strong, tough, and built, could operate heavy machinery, fix fence, build, mend.
He met his wife Luci at a party. They exchanged letters for months. They were married on April 27, 1968, making sure to be married two days before his 25th birthday so that he could win a bet with Uncle Keoki — Uncle then had to buy all the beer for the wedding. Papa and Grama were blessed with two daughters, Michelle and Cherie. His daughters cook like he cooked, and find comfort in the mountains like he found comfort. His grandsons and granddaughters work like he worked, and try to love like he loved.
Papa adored Grama. He strengthened her and she strengthened him. They were by each other’s sides for 54 years.
Papa embraced the roles of father, grandfather,and great-grandfather.
Papa was funny. “If you feeling down, talk story with him — pau.” He was careful sometimes, caring always. He was thoughtful, kind, but always cracking a joke. He only raised his voice at mules and horses and hunting dogs. Papa was humble and meek, but proud of his family. He loved his friends. Papa always had a good story — the truths of a childhood with no bounds twisted with the Portuguese culture’s ability to tell a tale.
Papa knew God and later in life chose to wear his Sunday best to church, with jeans, worn leather cowboy boots and a bolo tie. Papa and Grama were sealed in the La‘ie, O‘ahu temple on Nov. 14, 2008.
He will be remembered for his pots of perfectly flavored beef stew, his shirts with three or four buttons not buttoned, his jokes, his smoke meat, his stories, his sweat, his hands.
In the early morning of June 13, 2022, Papa breathed his last breaths with family at his side, and angels round about him.
WE LOVE YOU, PAPA. EVERYTHING WE HAVE IS BECAUSE OF YOU.
Stanley, 78, of Kapa‘a, proprietor of Stan’s Horseshoeing, is preceded in death by his parents.
Stanley is survived by his wife Luciana “Luci” Vasques, daughters Michelle (Greg) Vasques Gonsalves, Cherie (James) Vasques-Sarme, grandchildren Makoa (Keapo) Gonsalves, Kekai “Kiki” (Joshua) Cram, Kahiau (Saxsen) Shiira, Alaka‘i Gonsalves, Kolby Sarme, Kimo (Lauren) Sarme, Megan (Karl) Liufau, Melanie (Cliff) Cummings, Mason (Kaitlyn) Mendoza, Myles (Bernadette) Mendoza, Aubry Sarme, nine great-grandchildren, sister Evelyn (Herbert) Garcia, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of his life is Friday, July 8, at the Vasques Homestead, 1737 Hulu Road, Kapa‘a, Hawai‘i 96746. Papa has always been a man of few words. To honor him, a simple man uninterested in formal events, please join us for a casual visitation at 5 p.m. Bring stories and join us for dinner at 6 p.m. We will be here all night.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Stella Tsuruyo Nakamasu Miyoshi
Stella Tsuruyo Nakamasu Miyoshi, 90, of Kapa‘a, passed away at Wilcox Medical Center on Jan. 27, 2021. She was born on Dec. 30, 1930, in Lihu‘e. She was a sales clerk at Kojima’s, Yasuda’s, Happy Kauaian, and S&S Business Machines.
She was preceded in death by parents Takejiro and Thelma Nakamasu, husband Charles Miyoshi, grandson Preston Ikehara-Yasay, great-grandson Alden Fujise, brother Ernest Nakamasu and sister Florence Wakuta.
She is survived by son Bryan Ikehara of Pearl City, O‘ahu, daughters Linden (Derek) Fujise of Kane‘ohe, O‘ahu, Gwen (Gideon) Ikehara-Yasay of Kapa‘a and Diane (Reggie) Basuel of Kapa‘a, grandchildren Renee (Jared) Mendoza of Pearl City, O‘ahu, Aaron (Judy) Fujise of Seattle, Ariel (Young) Fujise of Honolulu, Kelson Yasay of Kapa‘a, Kyle Basuel of Kapa‘a and Reid Kawamoto of Kapa‘a, great-grandchildren Malachi, Manoah and Micaiah Mendoza of Pearl City, O‘ahu, brothers Roy (June) Nakamasu of Kalihi, O‘ahu and Dennis (Bernie) Nakamasu of Honolulu, sister Donna (Douglas) Kozai of Las Vegas, Francis (Walter) Ishikawa (deceased), Nancy (Andy) Talbo (deceased), Craig Miyoshi (deceased), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is at Kapa‘a Neighborhood Center Saturday, July 9, with visitation from 2 to 3 p.m. and service at 3 p.m. The family requests casual attire. Due to COVID-19, face masks are required.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
David Mark Orsatelli
David Mark Orsatelli passed away on June 9, 2022, in Lihu‘e, at the age of 54. He was born on Nov. 14, 1967, on Kaua‘i. He was a truck driver.
He was preceded in death by father Stanley A. Orsatelli, mother Mary Mildred Orsatelli, brother Jeffrey Orsatelli, sister Valerie Camara and brother-in-law Clifford Pimental.
He is survived by son Branden David Orsatelli of Lawa‘i, daughters Shaylece Mira Masuda of Lawa‘i and Leinani Awapuhi Okuno-Orsatelli, grandchildren Lashya Masuda, Khloe Orsatelli, Gunner Igne, Sanira Igne, Teiven Garcia and Taylee Garcia, brothers Robert (Cheryle) Orsatelli of Kalaheo and Stanley Orsatelli Jr. of Lawa‘i, sister Deborah Pimental of Lawa‘i, brother-in-law Wayne Camara of Kalaheo, sister-in-law Bridgette Orsatelli of Kalaheo, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is Saturday, July 9, at the King’s Chapel in ‘Ele‘ele, with visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and a celebration of life to follow. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Teeana Kaleimokihana Valpoon
Teeana Kaleimokihana Valpoon passed away on Sept. 17, 2021, at Hilo Medical Center at the age of 32. She was born on July 15, 1989, in Lihu‘e and a graduate of Kapa‘a High School. She worked for Wyndham and Kuhio Motors.
She was preceded in death by sister Mistie K. Valpoon, grandfather Clifford Matsushima Sr., and grandmother Beverly Ann Valpoon.
She is survived by son Liloa (Elijah) Ragsac, parents Leah “Teete” (Russell Iida) Matsushima, Amil “Ekolu” (Nani) Valpoon, brother Cody (Ipo) Valpoon, stepbrothers Cody and Josh (Rylee Pavao) Mersberg, grandmother Katherine Matsushima, grandfather Amil “Tinoa” Valpoon, nephews Lokahi, Lawai‘a and Kaikoa, niece Lihau, and numerous aunties, uncles and cousins who loved her dearly.
A celebration of life is Saturday, July 16, at Ko‘olau Hui‘ia Church, Anahola, with visitation at 10 a.m. followed by service at noon.
Faith Bradley Fung
Faith Bradley Fung, born in Fairmont, Minnesota, passed away on June 19, 2022, from this life into the eternal life that God has provided for her. She had been married to the Rev. James Fung for 38 years, having met in Garden Grove, California. She earned a master’s degree in counseling and served as a marriage and family therapist.
With her husband, they ministered to God’s people in Connecticut, Michigan, Honolulu, and most recently here on Kaua‘i. They have a daughter, Julia Englehorn, who resides in Berkeley, California and a son, Ethan Englehorn, in North Carolina, and a good friend, Irvin Schaeffer in St. Peter, Minnesota.
She concluded this earthly journey in a way that she lived her entire life — peacefully and graciously, with gratitude and love, and with a smile in her heart. She will be missed, but most importantly, she will be remembered.
No public memorial services have been planned at this time. Notes of love/support/encouragement may be sent to: kahujim@live.com.
Anson Gunji Fujimoto
Anson Gunji Fujimoto passed away on June 23, 2022, in Lihu‘e, at the age of 41. He was born on Feb. 18, 1981, in Waimea. He was a caregiver.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Basilio and Esperanza Cabacungan Funtanilla, Robert G. and Hatsumi Akiyama Fujimoto, nephew Cayd Fujimoto, uncle David G. Fujimoto and aunts Kathleen Kure and Eileen Powell.
He is survived by parents Robert and Toni Funtanilla Fujimoto of Hanapepe, brothers Craig Fujimoto of Hanapepe and twin Mason Fujimoto of Hanapepe, uncle Franklin (Stephanie) Funtanilla of ‘Ele‘ele, aunts Cora Fujimoto of Torrance, California, Colleen Pantohan of Makaweli and Peggy (Leland) Sun of Burbank, California, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is Saturday, July 9, at the Garden Island Mortuary, with visitation 1 to 3 p.m. and celebration of life at 3 p.m.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Duane Allen Girard
Duane Allen Girard passed away on June 22, 2022, in Lihu‘e, at the age of 60. He was born on Aug. 19, 1961, in Norway. He was self employed with Girard Quality Cleaners.
He is survived by wife Rosemelia Battulayan Girard, sons Damien Girard of Lihu‘e, Travis Girard of Lihu‘e, Nicholas Girard of Lihu‘e, daughter Tiffany Girard of Lihu‘e, parents Raymond and Alice Girard of Texas, brother Paul Girard of Honolulu, sisters Ann (Mike) Pawly of Texas and Laurie (Brad) Ingoes of Idaho, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is Saturday, July 9, at the Koloa Church Assembly of God, the white church next to Koloa School, with visitation 9 to 11 a.m. and celebration of life at 11 a.m. The family requests aloha attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Shirley ‘Loling’ Fuertes Medeiros
Shirley “Loling” Fuertes Medeiros, 83, of Koloa, passed away on May 15, 2022, in Lihu‘e. She was born on July 12, 1938, in Waimea. She worked as an arts and crafts instructor for the County of Kaua‘i’s Agency on Elderly Affairs.
She was preceded in passing by her parents Basilio B. and Rosario L. Fuertes Sr., in-laws Mildred Fuertes, Mokihana Malama III, Sam Vierra, Gareth Ueno, Leonard W. Medeiros, Lawrence and Gwendolyn Carveiro and Thomas DePonte Sr., nephews Mokihana Malama IV, John Jay Boy Marshall Perry Jr. and Bronson Fuertes Sr.
She is survived by her loving husband John Ventura Medeiros Jr., children John A. (Kimberley) Medeiros, Mark A. (Cheryl Polikapu-Medeiros) Medeiros, Paul A. Medeiros, Jeannine Medeiros and Joannell (Wayne) Lemi, siblings Nancy Fuertes Ueno, Anita Malama, Basilio Bunga Fuertes Jr., Carmen Vierra, Victoria Fuertes, Rosemary (Allan) Saraos and David (Carol) Fuertes Sr., in-laws Carol DePonte and Kathleen (George) Langtad, grandchildren John M.T. Medeiros, Jason A.Y. Medeiros, Chyler P. Medeiros, Marxon Medeiros, Brian K.K. Medeiros, Rachel K.K. Medeiros, Natasha Lemi, Rosie (Kaven) Walag and Lorie Lemi, great-grandchildren Sofina Medeiros, Sampson K. Emayo, Zaaven Walag, Kaiven Walag, Sarah Singh and Juanito Singh, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, July 9, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. with services to follow. Deacon Averit Soto will be officiating the services, and the family requests aloha attire.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Marina B. Balagat
Marina B. Balagat, 93, of Lihu‘e, passed away on June 28, 2022, at Wilcox Medical Center. She was born in Dingras, Philippines on Nov. 29, 1928, and retired as a cook from Tip-Top Cafe.
She was preceded in death by parents Apolonio and Gaudencia Ballesteros, husband Guillermo Balagat Sr., son Guillermo Balagat Jr., and brothers Aquilino and Elpedio Ballesteros.
She is survived by daughter Grace (Henry) Hee of Hanama‘ulu, sons Ceny (Josephine) Balagat of Killeen, Texas and George Balagat of Hanama‘ulu, grandchildren Josef (Kelsey Green) Hee of Havelock, North Carolina, Jacob Hee of Madison, Wisconsin, Zachary Hee of Havelock, North Carolina, Royden Balagat of Killeen, Texas and Abigail (Nathaniel Jr.) Moses of German Town, Tennessee, Garren (Dawnie) Leanio-Balagat of Lihu‘e, Darren Leanio-Balagat of Anahola, Kekai (Ramsey Tacadena) Leanio-Balagat of Koloa, Alexa ChongTim-Balagat, Braden ChongTim-Balagat of Hanama‘ulu, great-grandchildren Ashton Balagat of Lihu‘e, Taylan Moses, Nivea Moses, Titan Moses of German Town, Tennessee and numerous relatives.
A celebration of life is Thursday, July 14, at Immaculate Conception Church. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. with services following at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mary Ordinario Navalta
Mary Ordinario Navalta passed away on June 24, 2022 at home at the age of 74. She was born on April 10, 1948 in the Philippines.
She was preceded in death by husband Maximo Navalta, parents Richardo and Catalina Ordinario and brother Modesto Odinario.
She is survived by daughters Desiree (Chris) James of Florida, Mailerose (Robert) Welsh of Kaua‘i, grandchildren Ray-J Navalta-Keneakua, Makailah Navalta-Kaneakua, Seth James and Maiah Lynn Welsh, great-grandchild Makoa Navalta-Kaneakua Walker, brothers Tino (Lily) Odinario of the Philippines, Benny Ordinario of the Philippines, Joaquin (Lorna) Ordinario of the Philippines, sisters Julie (Pepito) Ibay of Canada, Senyang Navalta of the Philippines, Paring Ordinario of Canada, Arlene Rodelas (Dan) of the United Kingdom and Alfreda Ordinario of Canada, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is at the Garden Island Mortuary on Thursday, July 7, with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. and celebration of life at 11 a.m. The family requests aloha attire.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Benedicto ‘Benny’ A. Dela Cruz
Benedicto “Benny” A. Dela Cruz passed away on June 6, 2022, at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital at the age of 99. He was born on June 13, 1922, in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He was a retired truck driver with Olokele Sugar Company.
He was preceded in death by parents Valentin and Fermina Dela Cruz, wife Consuelo Dela Cruz, brothers Mariano, Ruperto, Wenceslao and Honesto, and sister Filomena.
He is survived by daughter Helen Dela Cruz, grandchildren Charlene Matute-De Haro and Jennifer Matute, great-grandchildren Analy Grace De Haro, Isa De Haro, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is Saturday, July 9, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by services at 10:30 a.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Agapito M. Long-Gat
Agapito M. Long-Gat passed away on June 13, 2022, at Wilcox Medical Center at the age of 82. He was born on Aug. 18, 1939, in the Philippines. He was a landscaper with Smith Tropical Paradise.
He was preceded in death by parents Cayetano and Dorotea Long-Gat.
He is survived by wife Adela A. Long-Gat, sons Dexter (Genalyn) Long-Gat of Lihu‘e, Roel (Sheryl Cesario) Long-Gat of Honolulu, daughters Alona (Jimmy) Flores of Lihu‘e and Rhoda (Khalil Shaheed) Long-Gat of Nebraska, grandchildren Shuntle, Axle, Aljhay, Angeline, Jimmy Jr., Kristine, Salwa, Sander, Shemson, Ria Scarlette, Shanelle Reign, Samantha Rae and Rhianne Sophia, brother Santiago (Jovita) Marlong of Maui, sisters Flora (Marcelino) Yabes of Las Vegas, Romana Espanto of Lihu‘e and Rosalia Barbosa of Philippines.
A service is Wednesday, July 6, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m. with prayer service at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home at 1 p.m.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Miyoshi ‘Boxer’ Matsuda
Miyoshi “Boxer” Matsuda passed away on June 22, 2022, at the age of 93, in Waimea, at the Kaua‘i Care Center. He was born on Dec. 25, 1928, in Makaweli. He retired as a harvesting superintendent at Olokele Sugar Co. For many years he coached youth baseball, played for the Makaweli Indians AJA baseball team and the Kaumakani Rookies Senior Softball team. He was a Korean War Veteran.
He was preceded in death by daughter Colleen Mie Yamase.
He is survived by wife Madeline Gushiken Matsuda, daughters Valerie (Les) Matsumoto, Renee (Daniel) Kanekuni, son-in-law Brian Yamase, grandchildren Davin (Roxanne) Yamase, Scott Yamase, Troy (Shawna) Yamase, Liane Nakamura, Sara (Andrew) Marks, Kai Kanekuni and Chase Kanekuni, nine great-grandchildren, sisters Nan Oyakawa and Miki Nishikawa, brother Ike (Yoshi) Matsuda, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private service will be held at a later date. The family graciously requests no koden (monetary gifts).
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Abraham Machado Sr.
Abraham Machado Sr. passed away on June 14, 2022, at the age of 92. He was born on June 18, 1929, on Kaua‘i. He was a retired welder with Lihu‘e Plantation and a Korean War veteran.
He was preceded in death by parents Manuel Machado Jr. and Cynthia Soares Machado, wife Helen Machado and brother Douglas Machado.
He is survived by sons Abraham (Linda) Machado Jr., Darren (Raquel) Machado, daughters Joann (Lowell) Kane and Blanche (Gilmore) Claonan, brother Bernard (Shirley) Machado, grandchildren Cynthia and Chase, and great-grandchildren Noelani and Dalton.
His celebration of life is at St. Catherine Church in Kapa‘a, Saturday, July 16, with visitation from 9 a.m., services at 9:30 a.m. and burial at 1 p.m. at the Hanapepe Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
