Obituaries for Friday, April 12, 2024
Evelyn Juan Cardinez
Evelyn Juan Cardinez
Evelyn Juan Cardinez, of Kaumakani, passed away on March 14, 2024, in Hanapepe, at the age of 91. She was born on Nov. 30, 1932, in the Philippines. She was truck driver for Olokele Sugar Plantation and a kitchen staff at Matsuura Store.
She was preceded in death by husband Steven H. Cardinez, parents Elpidia Tambio, Daniel Juan, stepsons Ronald Cardinez, Michael M. Cardinez, stepdaughter Lydia Castillo, brothers Fernando Juan, Bernardo Juan, sisters Juaquina Quelnat, Monica Juan and son-in-law David Banquel.
She is survived by sons Manolo (Ces) Delos Reyes of Kaumakani, James (Angela) Delos Reyes of Kaumakani, Steven R. (Karen) Cardinez of Florida, Alex (Shari) Cardinez of California, stepson Clarence (Carmen) Cardinez of California, daughters Celia Mancia of Oregon, Nelda Banquel of Hanapepe, stepdaughters Frances Bunao of Lihu‘e, Carol (Burt) Gonsalves of California, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at the Garden Island Mortuary on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m., with service to follow. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jennelle Balmidiano
Jennelle Balmidiano, of Hanapepe, passed away on March 20, 2024, at home at the age of 71. She was born on Jan. 21, 1953, in Kapa‘a. She was a housewife.
She was preceded in death by parents Luther and Salome Wong.
She is survived by husband Rudy Balmidiano of Hanapepe, son Jed Balmidiano (Cynthia Chong Tim) of Lihu‘e, daughter Shen Balmidiano (Joshua Rapanot) of ‘Ele‘ele, grandchildren Piilani Buyat, Jaxon Balmidiano, brothers Zenon K. Wong of Kapa‘a, Levon K. Wong of Kapa‘a, Reuel K. Wong (Cindy Delos Reyes) of Kapa‘a, sisters Novena K. (Ronald) Valdez of ‘Ele‘ele, Charlene Daraben of O‘ahu, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held at Garden Island Mortuary on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Visitation is from 1 to 3 p.m. followed by a celebration of life at 3 p.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Gregoria ‘Jeannie’ Oroc
Gregoria “Jeannie” Pantohan Oroc, of Kekaha, Kaua‘i, passed away at home on March 31, 2024, at the age of 92.
Born in Wahiawa, Kaua‘i, Camp 7 on Sept. 6, 1931, she retired as a Hotel Housekeeper at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa and Head Cashier at Waimea Big Save Market.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 71 years, Epifanio “Panio” Oroc, parents Tecla Escalante Gelbolingo, Mauro Pantohan, stepfather Narciso Otlang, sister Flora Relacion, brothers Juan Pantohan, Augustin “Terry” Pantohan, Cristobal “Serry” Otlang, Cipirino “Pangay” Otlang, Francisco Otlang, Sibero “Beroy” Otlang, Alejandro “Ale” Otlang, sister-in-law Sr. M. Candida Oroc, OSF and son Robert Oroc.
She is survived by her four children Eric (Melia) Oroc of Honolulu, Elizabeth (John) Perea of Kailua-Kona, Gregory (Rita) Oroc of Wisconsin, and Stephanie (JJ) Bostick of Kekaha. 12 grandchildren Christine Oroc, Chandra Oroc, Robert Brad Oroc, Michelle Mackler, Erin Oroc, Eric Oroc, Marc Oroc, Ruben Andrian, Chelsea Oroc, Danielle Patterson, Adam Oroc, Samantha Bostick, numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Waimea Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church from 8 a.m. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. by Father Edwin. Burial to follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens 4716 Maalo Road, Lihu‘e, Hawai‘i. Flowers welcomed. Aloha attire requested.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Eric Andrew Corn
Eric Andrew Corn passed away on March 4, 2024, in Calgary, Canada, at the age of 59. He was born in Anderson, South Carolina, on May 12, 1964.
Eric is survived by his wife Sunny Gail Mitsui of Kapa‘a, daughter Amber (Tyler) Smith of Stirling, Canada, son Kyle (Jennie) Taylor of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, six grandchildren, sister-in-law Joy (Ken) Au of O‘ahu, and mother-in-law Helen Mitsui of Kilauea.
He worked at the Pacific Missile Range at Barking Sands as a Range Operations Program Manager and Operations Conductor and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 13, at the Kilauea Episcopal Christ Memorial Church at 11 am; Aloha attire is suggested. The family asks that flowers be omitted.
Michael Wayne Kiyabu
Michael Wayne Kiyabu, 76, passed away on Nov. 29, 2023, in Kapa‘a. He was born on May 9, 1947, in Hawai‘i. He was in the U.S. Navy and a retired Kaua‘i Police Officer.
He was preceded in death by mother Hatsuko Kiyabu, aunts Rita S. Kiyabu and Theresa Braun.
He is survived by wife Lori R. Kiyabu, son Michael K.G. Kiyabu (Michael Haritos), daughters Lori G.K. (Glen) Balisacan, Kristy Sasachika (Chance Kinney), stepdaughter Liana (Randall) Koerte, sister Teri Kaluahine, brothers Larry Fernandez, Eddie Fernandez, grandchildren Norven Balisacan, Kingston Kinney, Roman Kinney, Royal Kinney, Kannon Kinney, beloved pets Orion, Kitty, Tang, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 13, at Kaua‘i Veterans Center in Lihu‘e. Visitation starts at 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Lunch provided at 11 a.m. The family requests that you wear NFL attire to support your favorite NFL team.
GO PITTSBURGH STEELERS!!!
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Sandra Momilani Muragin
Passed away peacefully at home in Koloa with her family by her side on March 17, 2024, at the age of 63. She was born in Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i, attended Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary and graduated from Kaua‘i High School class of 1979. She was working for the County of Kaua‘i in Boards and Commissions (7 years), previously with Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club (16 years) and Bank of Hawai‘i (17 years). Sandra enjoyed dancing hula with Hälau Ka Pä Hula O Hinano, sewing various patterns throughout her youth into adulthood, attended Hale o Na Ali‘i Hälau o Kapi‘olani as iku Moe, loved the beauty of the beach and spending quality time with her classmates and family.
Sandra was a hard worker and mother to her only daughter, Auika Metcalfe. Her legacy and priority was always to help her community, share her love of her Hawaiian culture, and provide for her family. She was a loving mother, Mimi, daughter, sister, aunty, cousin, co-worker and friend.
Sandra is preceded in death by her father Naoto Yatsuoka.
She is survived by parents Laynette “Lynn” and Frank Bukoski, daughter Auika (Dain) Metcalfe, sisters Candace (Les) Tabuchi, Vanessa Yatsuoka, Allison (David) Carveiro, Stacie (Kaleo) Smith, brothers David Bukoski, Palani Bukoski, 2 granddaughters (Wrenly, 4 and Rhaenyra, 1), nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sandra’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary, Koloa. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with services at 10 a.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Aaley Kauhanelani Pahulehua
Aaley Kauhanelani Pahulehua, of O‘ahu, passed away on March 22, 2024, at Kuakini Medical Center at the age of 36. She was born on Dec. 7, 1987, in Waimea, Kaua‘i. She was the Director of Admissions at ‘Ohana Pacific Health.
She was preceded in death by mother Rhoda Susana Pahulehua and brother Melvin Pahulehua.
She is survived by father Melvin Kauwila Opio Pahulehua, brothers Ainsley Kahanuola Pahulehua, Dave Keikiokalani Pahulehua, sisters Princess Anelalani Pahulehua, Holly Healohalani Pahulehua, Gina Kahokuokalani (Aaron Michael) Shintani, numerous uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Viewing, visitation and celebration of life from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The family welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jonathan ‘Jon’ Steven Sabala
Jonathan “Jon” Steven Sabala, 67, passed away on Feb. 12, 2024, in Ewa Beach, O‘ahu. He was born on May 21, 1956, in Waimea, Kaua‘i. He was a retired heavy equipment operator and member of the Local 3 Operating Engineer’s Union for over 30 years.
He was preceded in death by parents Joseph and Susanna Sabala.
He is survived by sons Jon Jon and Justin Sabala, brother Leonard Sabala, sister Shelley Jo Espiritu, six grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo. Viewing begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by service at 10 a.m. A private burial will be held at Kekaha Cemetery. The family requests casual attire.
Donald Dotario
Donald Dotario, age 81, died peacefully in his home after a prolonged illness on March 4, 2024.
Donald is survived by his wife of 50 years, Masako, his two children, Celestina Hawthorne-Zimmer (William, Sr.), Valex Dotario, two grandsons James Hawthorne, William Zimmer, Jr., three brothers Rio Dotario of Richmond, California, Stanley Dotario and Ronnie Dotario of Kalaheo, Hawai‘i, two sisters Joan Diaz-Souza of Pa‘auilo, Hawai‘i, Cheryl White of Wallback, West Virginia, as well as, many nieces and nephews.
Proceeded in death one brother Lewis Andrade.
Donald was born on June 27, 1942, in Pu‘unene, Maui, Hawai‘i, but raised in Kalaheo, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, to Especio Dotario, Sr., and Florence Alfonso. Who also proceeds him in death.
In 1964 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Vietnam, attached to the First Infantry Division, where he did five tours and was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm. After the war, he continued to serve his country honorably for 21 years, reaching the rank of Sargent First Class. In addition, Donald worked with Moral, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) at McLaughlin Fitness Center, in Fort Lee, Virginia, for 21 years.
The family is making arrangements for a memorial service and burial at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. To be announced later. The family is being served by J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home.
Betty Lu Rowe
Betty Lu Rowe, 98, passed away on April 1, 2024, just 1 day shy of her 99th birthday. She died of natural causes in Princeville, Hawai‘i. Betty was born on April 2, 1925, to Horace Rowe and Lucy Spiker in San Jose, California. Betty married her high school sweetheart, Al Maas, and they had four children Terry, Craig, Cliff, and Joan.
Betty was predeceased by Craig and Loren Maas.
She is survived by her three children Terry, Cliff, and Joan Maas, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Betty’s passion was politics which began in high school when she attended Girls State in Sacramento. Betty was treasurer for the Route 85 task force in Silicon Valley for 8 years and was active in preserving Queen Emma’s bath. Betty moved to Kaua‘i in 2000 yet had been visiting Hawai‘i since she was 14 on the Matson lines.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
William Neil Rapozo, Sr.
William Neil Rapozo, Sr., was called to the Lord on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 7, 1931, in Hanama‘ulu, Kaua‘i.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Gloria Rapozo, In-laws, Joseph & Georgina Nunes, brothers-in-law Donald Nunes and Clesson Ching, sisters-in-law Linda Rapozo and Jessie Sam-Fong.
He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years Mildred Nunes Rapozo, son William “Bill” Neil (Cynthia) Rapozo, Jr., daughters Susan (Roger) Caires, Diane Rapozo and Dale (Norman) Matsuura. Neil was the oldest of 5 siblings, Grace Ching, Marie (Ronald) Victorino, Thomas Rapozo, Raymond (Maureen) Rapozo. Grandchildren Teresa (Randall) Nero, Tisha Rapozo (Chris) Soares, Clyde (Tyra) Caires, Keith Caires, Samantha Matsuura, Michelle Matsuura; 16 great grandchildren and 17 great-great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Neil began his career working for the Lihu‘e Plantation Company in 1950. He was a supervisor in Irrigation, Planting, Harvesting & Experimentation.
In his early years, he worked second jobs doing his own car/bus detailing and was a stretch-out & bus driver/guide for Grayline. In 1972, he along with his son, Bill and brother-in-law Donald became the Chevron Dealer of Kapaia Chevron and later as the dealer for Lihu‘e Chevron on Rice Street until it’s closing in 2000. Following his Chevron retirement, he joined Kaua‘i Commercial Company/A&B as a truck driver delivering cargo throughout the island of Kaua‘i.
He was a member of the Hawai‘i Wing Civil Air Patrol serving on CAP Emergency Services missions, flying as a pilot or crew member in air searches, disaster relief operations, radio communications, homeland security operations and tsunami warnings. He was involved with Kaua‘i Ballroom dancing and the Hanama‘ulu Community/Neighborhood Association.
His celebration of life is Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Church. Visitation begins at 8:30 a.m. with Mass at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens.
The family would also like to express their deep gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Monty Downs and the Kaua‘i Hospice staff for providing exceptional care and making his final days at home comfortable. A big mahalo to the staff at Lihu‘e Fire Department, Agency on Elderly Affairs, Wilcox Medical Center, American Medical Response EMS, and Stay at Home Healthcare Services.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens assisted the family with arrangements.
Jason Rafael Olores
Jason Rafael Olores, of Kekaha, passed away on March 21, 2024, in Kekaha at the age of 58. He was born on Dec. 2, 1965, in Waimea, Kaua‘i.
He was preceded in death by his mother Evelyn Olores, brothers Dana Olores, Marvin Olores, sister-in-law Linda Olores and nephew Mika Olores.
He is survived by his significant other Bobbi Bryant of Texas, sons Naveen Alaka’i Olores of Texas, Justin Rapozo of Kaua‘i, father Valeriano Olores, brothers Jonathan Olores of Kekaha, Gordan (Leanne) Olores of Kalaheo, sisters Valerie (Manuel) Santiago of Kekaha, Janet (Harold) Bradford of Lihu‘e, Evelyn (Thomas) Riley of Minnesota, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on April 13, 2024, at MacArthur Park in Kekaha. Visitation is from noon to 1 p.m., service at 1 p.m., and a potluck lunch to follow. The family requests aloha attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
