Obituaries for Saturday, April 13, 2024
William Neil Rapozo, Sr.
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.
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, 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 eight 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.
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.
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 Kaua‘i 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 and 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 and 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.
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.
Elaine Kaleiohi Fernandez
Elaine Kaleiohi Fernandez, 83, of Anahola, passed away in Honolulu, on March 20, 2024. She was born in Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i on Jan. 24, 1941. She was a singer/entertainer employed at Smiths Motor Boat Tours on the Wailua River. Later in life, she was a Campus Aide Security at Kapa‘a High and Intermediate School, where she retired.
She loved singing, playing music, gardening, planting, and caring for her beautiful flowers and orchids. She also was a devoted housewife and homemaker along with being a loving mother and grandmother to her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband Rawlin K. Fernandez Sr., parents George and Hannah Kaleiohi Sr., her daughter Darnell K. Alapai, grandson Ikona Ivan Fernandez, siblings Ruth Tupa, George (Momi) Kaleiohi Jr., John Kaleiohi, Hiram (Mollie) Kaleiohi, Esther (Vic) Pezario, Julia (Alvin) Wasano, Helen (Sandy) Obrero and Florence (Joseph) Navas.
She is survived by her children Samuel (Lisa) Alapai of Anahola, Shanna‘Nalei (Vincent) Palmer of Seattle, Washington, Kamaka (Amparo) Fernandez III of Anahola, stepchildren Patricia Noda, Phyllis Miyake, Kamaka Fernandez Jr., Solomon Fernandez, sister-in-law Jane Kinzie, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary on Friday, April 26, 2024, with visitation at 9:30 a.m., service/Mass at 10:30 a.m., and burial at Lihu‘e Cemetery.
Gilbert Ontoy Pacleb
Born on Aug. 16, 1967, passed away on Nov. 26, 2023 at home. He was 56 years old. He was a hardworking husband and a loving father. He was a passionate business owner of Bulla’s Painting and attended Pearl City High School.
He was preceded in death by father Gilbert Pacleb, stepfather Baltazar Ortiz Jr., sisters Kathleen “Katinka” Barco and Conchita Ortiz.
He is survived by mother Incarnacion Ortiz, stepmother Theresa Pacleb, wife Laurie Pacleb, children Lani, Sunnylee, Chelsea, Gilbert Jr., Gilroy, Krystalyn, sisters Darlene (Davay) Tapusoa, Elena (Angel) Ortiz, Ariel Pacleb, brothers Anthony Ortiz, Caleb Pacleb, four grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be held on May 11, 2024, at St. Catherine Church in Kapa‘a. Visitation starts at 8:30 a.m. followed by a luncheon. Please contact daughter Sunny Pacleb at (808) 720-1805 for more information.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home 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.
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.
