Obituaries for Saturday, April 20, 2024

Hillie Andam Gallegos

Hillie Andam Gallegos, of Killeen, Texas, passed away on April 10, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 70. He departed peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on Oct. 20, 1953, in Dingras, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. At a young age, Hillie embarked on a journey with his mother and brother to join his father, who worked in the sugarcane plantations of beautiful Kaumakani, Kaua‘i. He graduated from Waimea High School, Class of 1973, and pursued an Automotive Degree from Hawai‘i Community College of Hilo, Hawai‘i. This accomplishment paved the way for his esteemed military career as a Diesel Mechanic in the United States Army, Texas Army National Guard, and Department of Logistics.

Hillie Gallegos is preceded in death by his parents Elpidio Andam Gallegos, Juanita Sulquiano Andam Gallegos and son Armand Foronda Gallegos Sr., who is survived by his spouse Christina Gallegos.

He is survived in legacy by his significant other Evangeline Thomas, sons Helizalde (Alice) Gallegos, Ronald (Jeanette) Gallegos, daughter Leezah (Micheal) Frye, brother Rodrigo (Gina) Gallegos, grandchildren Armand Gallegos Jr., Caiden Gallegos, Zoey Rodriguez, Gabriel Gallegos, Jacob Gallegos, Reilynn Gallegos, Boomer Gallegos, Micheal Frye Jr., Leilah Frye, Hannah Frye, Ilana Frye, Alaysia Armstrong, Tyshawn Armstrong, Jamell Austin, Riley Austin, Bryant Austin and Audriana Allen.

Hillie Gallegos is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will cherish his memory dearly.

Celebration of Life Service: Thursday, April 25, 2024, at noon at St Joseph Catholic Church, 2903 E Rancier Ave, Killeen, Texas 76543. Hillie will be laid to rest with his beloved son, Armand Gallegos, Sr., at the Killeen City Cemetery, 2800 E Rancier Ave, Killeen, Texas.

Your condolence wishes can be made to Helizalde Gallegos, 3708 Peaks Drive, Killeen, Texas, 76543.

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, 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.

Kathleen ‘Kathy’ Watts

Kathleen Kimie Kimura Watts, 66, of Wailuku, Maui, passed away on April 8, 2024, at Maui Memorial Medical Center. She was born on Aug. 16, 1957, in Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Valley Isle Fellowship Church in Wailuku. Services will start at 10 a.m. Interment on O‘ahu will follow at a later date.

Kathy worked at Tri-Isle, Inc. in Wailuku for over 30 years. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister.

She was preceded in death by her father, Toshio Kimura.

She is survived by her sons Jayson and Jared, who were her pride and joy, her granddaughter Ellexie, who brought her immense happiness, her mother, Kunie Kimura, who was her rock, and her brothers Lloyd (Jennie) of Wailuku, Jay (Louann) Kimura of Hilo, who were always there for her. She also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews, Sherilyn (Jeff) Ueoka, Mindy (Ross) Fusato, Malia Kimura, Nathan (Tracy) Kimura, Jeremy (Kel) Kimura, Lindsey Kimura, grandnieces Avery and Rylee Fusato, Tiffany Kimura and grandnephew Jin Kimura, who will cherish her memory.

Alan Baldwin King

November 13, 1960 — March 5, 2024

Alan Baldwin King, 63, of Kalaheo, Hawai‘i, died peacefully on March 5, 2024, after a brief and valiant battle with lung cancer. Alan was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the youngest child of Ralph and Jane King. He spent his high school years at St. Edward’s School in Vero Beach, Florida, graduated from Dartmouth College in 1983, and was a proud member of Gamma Delta Chi fraternity. Alan moved to Maui in 1983 to work for Alexander & Baldwin in Diversified Agriculture. In 1986, he transferred to Kaua‘i and was an instrumental member of the team at McBryde Sugar Plantation that imported coffee seeds, grew seedlings, and planted the millions of coffee trees that make up the current Kaua‘i Coffee Company plantation.

In 1987, Alan married Monica (Latini) at Keawalai Congregational Church in Makena, Maui. Alan retired from agriculture upon the arrival of their first son, Andrew, in 2000. Three years later, son Maximilian was born. Alan devoted his time to his family and community. With a huge heart and generous spirit, he dedicated himself to making Kaua‘i a better place. He served on local nonprofit boards including the Wilcox Health Foundation, Island School, Kaua‘i Junior Golf Association, Kukuiolono Golf Course, and the Mission Children’s Society, and coached high school golf at Waimea High School and Island School.

Alan’s greatest loves were his family, his community, his pets, and plants. He enjoyed golfing, working in his yard, and spending summers with his family and friends on Peaks Island, Maine. Wherever he was, Alan reached out to those around him and shared his positivity, kindness and insight. Whether working to find viable crops to keep Kaua‘i green, co-chairing an island fund-raiser, or helping make education and sports more accessible to island youth, Alan was there, with his contagious smile and an overabundant willingness to help. His generosity and commitment to the betterment of his two island communities will be greatly missed.

Alan is survived by his wife and best friend Monica, sons Andrew, Maximilian, sister Lindsay (Craig) Rahl, brothers Ralph (Leslie Chin) King, Douglas King, sister-in-law Lisa (Dave) Kirkendall, his much loved godchildren, nieces, nephews and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Alan at Kukuiolono Golf Course Clubhouse in Kalaheo on Saturday, May 11 at 2 p.m.

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 Dec. 7, 1931, in Hanama‘ulu, Kaua‘i.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Gloria Rapozo, In-laws Joseph and Georgina Nunes, brothers-in-law Donald Nunes, 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, 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, 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 with Achors & Grayline as a driver of stretch-outs and buses. 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.

Thomas Galicinao Soriano

Thomas Galicinao Soriano passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2024, at the golden age of 100. Born in the Philippines, Thomas embarked on a life journey that led him to Kaua‘i where he dedicated decades as a skilled irrigation technician at McBryde Plantation. Beyond his professional endeavors, Thomas was also known for his humble, caring, hard-working spirit. He had a passion for traveling, boxing, fishing, gambling, and gardening. However, his greatest joy came from spending quality time with his family.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents Alberto and Desideria Soriano, as well as six siblings Emilia Soriano Sagucio, Cosmi Soriano, Gerardo Soriano, Francisco Soriano, Carmen Sagucio Soriano and Esminia Soriano.

He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years Nives Pedronan Soriano. Thomas is survived by his three sons, Irineo (Thelma Pascual) Soriano of Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i, Ruben (Darlene) Soriano of Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i, and Edwin (Luz) Soriano of San Diego, California. Thomas is also survived by his two devoted daughters Emilie (Dominador) Bucasas of Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i, and Shirley Yoshida Moriguchi of Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i. Thomas is also survived by 13 grandchildren Kristine (James) Laborte, Jeanette (Steve) Sivila, Gregory (Traci) Soriano, Jennifer (Mathew) Ballard, Jason (Raisa) Soriano, Sheldon (Janet) Bucasas, Brandon Bucasas, Jordan (Shyleen) Bucasas, Darrione Soriano, Kyle Soriano, Karissa Soriano, Bryce Yoshida and Grant Yoshida. Lastly, Thomas is also survived by his beloved 15 great-grandchildren Braden Soriano-Laborte, Kylie Laborte, Cain Laborte, Tristan Sivila, Trevor Sivila, Kaleb Soriano, Ryder Soriano, Ayva Soriano, Wyatt Ballard, Savannah Ballard, Olivia Ballard, Eliana Soriano, Aria Bucasas, Sophia Bucasas and Olivia Bucasas. He is also survived by many numerous nieces and nephews.

A service to honor and celebrate Thomas’ life will be held at Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at 10 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.

Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.