Obituaries for Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Dr. Michael May
Dr. Michael May
Dr. May was an interventional neuroradiologist who last worked at Wilcox Hospital. He provided care for his patients with the utmost compassion. He was especially loved for going the extra mile whenever he could. His kindness, humility and sense of humor also resonated with, and left a very positive and lasting impression on every single person and strangers he interacted with. His generosity touched so many lives here on Kaua‘i via a few nonprofit organizations and also in the Philippines.
He is survived by his girlfriend Saintly Dullaga and very close friends.
A celebration of life will be held for him on Jan. 14, 2023, starting at 9 a.m. at the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center in Lihu‘e. You may wear any color top or dresses except black. Black pants or black skirts are okay. Thank you for your cooperation.
Stanley ‘Sugi’ Mitsuyoshi Suenaga
Stanley “Sugi” Mitsuyoshi Suenaga, 84, passed away in Lihu‘e on Dec. 12, 2022. He was born in Lihu‘e on Oct. 18, 1938. Stanley graduated from Kaua‘i High School, furthered his education as an electrician at Kaua‘i Technical School and worked as an electrician supervisor for R. Electric. Stanley served in the Army for 3 years as part of Company B, 9th Battle Group, 3rd Brigade at Fort Ord, California. When he returned home to his beloved island of Kaua‘i, Stanley was able to indulge in two of his favorite pass times, cars and fishing. He had a fascination and talent for rebuilding and racing cars. Fishing, however, was Stanley’s true enjoyment. He was a fisherman at heart, enjoying early morning adventures on his first boat, a 24-foot beauty, the Ho‘oikaika. Stanley later purchased a banana patch boat, he rebuilt and customized, naming it the “Stacie-lyn” after his two daughters. The Stacie-lyn provided many years of enjoyment and memories for Stanley, who now is fishing on heaven’s seas.
Stanley was preceded in passing by his parents Yutaka and Yoshino Suenaga and sister Ellen (Noburo) Kiyan.
He is survived by his wonderful wife of 51 years Leilani (Kanoho) Suenaga, children Stacie Mosley, Stacelyn (Norman Jr.) Bukoski, grandchildren Shaden and Noah Mosley, Alysia and Siana Suenaga, Matthew, Hi‘ilani and Kahanu Bukoski, brother Donald Suenaga, numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, at the Kaua‘i Veteran’s Center, 3215 Kapule Hwy, Lihu‘e, 96766. Visitation for the family will be from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Visitation with the family will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with the service at 10:30 to 11 a.m. The family is requesting no flowers.
Jeremy Owen Dexter-Smith
On Nov. 9, 2022, Jeremy Owen Dexter-Smith passed away in his sleep at the age of 41 after a devastating battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, Hali, his parents Barbara and Michael, and his dog, Jake, which gave him peace in his final days. He was visited by many friends before he passed and he made each one of them laugh with his quick one-liners and never ending smile.
A chef and entrepreneur, his love of adventure brought him from his hometown Massachusetts to Kaua‘i 15 years ago, where he thrived and made a home for himself, meeting and marrying the love of his life and settling down in Kilauea. He enjoyed all outdoor activities, stand up paddling, fishing, boating, and taking his dogs to the beach. Occasionally, he could talk Hali into going with him.
A foodie to the core, you could always find Jeremy researching recipes and cooking up delicious meals and thinking up new and exciting business to start. He was never happier than with a (too) big plate of food in front of him, whether it be a 5 star restaurant, a family dinner at his sister-in-law’s, or homemade tacos. His love of food knew no bounds and led to him co-founding Po‘okela Sausage Co.
He had a love for life and enjoyed both the big and small things it had to offer. A trip to the dog park, taking a load of trash to the local dump, or an adventure to an exciting new country with Hali, there was little that didn’t spark joy in him. He loved spending time with his dogs, Reggie and Jake, and his family. One of his greatest joys was hanging out with his niece and nephew, Brea and Nainoa, and never ever telling them no when they asked for anything. He continues to be their favorite. He was also the best big brother to his sister, Becky.
He is now reunited with Reggie in the afterlife and leaves behind countless family members and friends who miss him dearly, Hali most of all.
A celebration of life and paddle out will be held at Waipa in Hanalei on May 27, 2023. In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to Kaua‘i Hospice or American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Honolulu.
Jerry Joseph Correa, Jr.
Jerry Joseph Correa, Jr., 58, of Mililani, Hawaii passed away peacefully on Oct. 27, 2022. He was born and raised in Kalaheo, Kauai. He attended Holy Cross School, Saint Louis School on Oahu and Cannon’s Business College where he earned an associate degree in Accounting and Computer Science. He later earned a bachelor’s in science degree in Management Information Systems from Kennedy Western University.
Jerry began his career as Director of Information Systems for Outrigger Hotels. In 1998 joined St. Francis Heath Systems of Hawaii. He became the CEO in 2012.
Under his leadership, St. Francis introduced many programs to meet the needs of the growing older adult population. One of his greatest accomplishments was bringing healthcare providers, donors and others in the community together to transform the Liliha Campus into St. Francis Kupuna Village, a one-stop health & wellness center for seniors, family caregivers and others, the first of its kind in Hawaii.
Jerry was preceded in death by father Jerry Correa, Sr., grandparents Joseph and Margaret Correa and Americo and Maxima Morris.
He leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Mari-Jo Silva Correa, sons Joseph (Shanlee), Jesse (Megan), and Jacob (Bernadette), grandson’s Grayson and Kuenaokawelo, mother Maxine Correa, sister Cynthia (Chico) Edralin and brother Kirk (Michelle) Correa.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo beginning at 10 a.m. Visitation is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and Mass to follow with the Honorable Bishop Larry Silva presiding.
Christobel ‘Kaliko’ Kauahi Kealoha
Christobel “Kaliko” Kauahi Kealoha, 81, passed away at Wilcox Memorial Hospital on Jan. 3, 2023. She was born in Waimea on May 27, 1941, and worked as the State of Hawai‘i’s Deputy Attorney General.
She was preceded in passing by her parents Herbert and Christobel Kauahi, siblings Owen (Shirley) Kauahi, Herberta (John) Montgomery, and Kabule Kauahi.
Christobel is survived by her children Stevie Kealoha, Michael Kealoha, Pulama (Chris Lacambra) Kealoha, grandchildren Jamen, Ayzlin, Seidree, Darien, Ciari Kealoha-Albarado, Isaiah and Elliana Lacambra, great-grandchildren Tehya and Tahj Kealoha-Albarado, siblings Sandra (Jack) Kinsey, Melvin (Ethel) Kauahi, Dennis (Diane) Kauahi, her loving friend in life Steven Kealoha, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life will be announced in the future with services expected to take place in January 2024.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens assisted the family with arrangements.
William R. Freitas
William R. Freitas, 94, of Kilauea, passed away at home on Dec. 26, 2022. He was born in Kilauea on Dec. 30, 1927, and served three years in the Army Military Police after which he worked as a mechanic at Kilauea Plantation and then later on retired from Princeville Corporation.
He was preceded in passing by parents Manuel and Mary Freitas, brothers Jacinth, Joseph, Walter, Manuel Jr. and Patrick Freitas, sisters Josephine Guilermo, Caroline Feiteia, Hilda Camara, Bernice Freitas, Annabelle Hirschi, and Kathleen Poe.
He is survived by sister Loretta F. Boro and many nieces, nephews, grand- nieces and grand-nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Jan. 14, at St. Sylvester Church in Kilauea. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m., and burial to follow immediately after at Kilauea Japanese Cemetery.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ainsley Kelekoma
Ainsley Kelekoma, 81, of Anahola, passed away at home on Nov. 3, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. He retired from the county Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division as a truck driver. Previous to working for the county, he was a tour bus driver for Grayline Kaua‘i.
He was preceded in death by parents Franklin “Manu” and Luella M Kelekoma, sisters and brothers-in-law Luella “Tida” and Gilbert Moniz Sr. and Darlene and Al Oshiro, brothers Franklin “Sonny” Kelekoma, Alexander “Alika” Kelekoma, brother-in-law David E Wilson and sister-in-law Leonora Kelekoma.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Linda L Kelekoma, sons Kalen (Sorrel Weiss) Kelekoma, John (Jillian) Kelekoma, hanai son Jim (Cathy) Daugherty, grandsons Keola (Nikki Young) Kelekoma, Mana Kelekoma, granddaughters Keanna Woodward, Olivia Kelekoma, Jasmine Kelekoma, hanai granddaughters Shawna Daugherty (Scott) Fisher, Marie Daugherty (Roger) Hogan, hanai great-grandchildren Aiden Fisher, Reagan, Mackenzie and Palmer Hogan, brothers Clay Kelekoma Sr., David (Chris) Kelekoma, sisters-in-law Tomie Kelekoma, Molly Kuhaulua, Ardeth Wilson, former daughter-in-law Sharon (Cody) Graham, and as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Jan. 14, at Hanama‘ulu Beach Park pavilion, with visitation from 10 a.m., services at 11 a.m. and luncheon to follow.
Marcelina Bungcayao
Marcelina Bungcayao passed away on Dec. 27, 2022, at Wilcox Medical Center at the age of 96. She was born on May 27, 1926, in the Philippines. She was a retired chamber maid.
She was preceded in death by her husband Segundino Bungcayao, daughter Linda Rabago and grandson Stephen Wong.
She is survived by her sons Fred (Lorene) Bungcayao of Princeville, Dominic Bungcayao of Washington, daughter Trina (Albert Jr.) Wong of Wailua, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, brother Benny Pajardo of Lihu‘e, sister Lydia (Rudy) Madriaga of Puhi, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is Friday, Jan. 13, at Immaculate Conception Church, with visitation from 8 to 10 a.m. followed by Mass. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
