Obituaries for Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Bob Nicholas Vegas Sr.
Bob Nicholas Vegas Sr.
Bob Nicholas Vegas Sr., of Lawai, passed away on March 7, 2025, at the age of 68. He was born on Oct. 31, 1956, in Lihue, Kauai. He was a fuel truck driver for Kauai Petroleum.
He was preceded in death by parents Soloman Vegas and Jane Vegas and sister Catalina Counts.
He is survived by wife Angeline Vegas of Lawai, son Bob Vegas Jr. of Lawai, daughter Jessica (David) Gusman of Omao, brothers Joseph (Janet) Vegas of Lawai, Charles (Betty Ann) Vegas of Lawai, Vincent (Josephine) Vegas of Kalaheo, sister Candita (Alan) Vegas of Lihue, grandchildren Saige Gusman, Kane Gusman, Kade Gusman, Mateo Vegas, Gauge Gusman, Elijah Alderete, Duke Labuguen, great- grandchild Kinzleigh Alderete, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawai. Visitation from noon to 2 p.m., followed by service at 2 p.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Wilfred Norio Kimura
Wilfred Norio Kimura, 91, of Kapaa, passed away on Dec. 31, 2024. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on June 29, 1933. He served in the U.S. Army and later retired as a District Engineer with the State of Hawaii.
He was preceded in death by his parents Tokuhei and Yoshino Kimura, brothers Tom Kimura, Robert Kimura, Earl Kimura and sister Gladys Kimura.
Wilfred is survived by his loving wife Janet Aiko Kimura, sons Kenneth (Lisa) Kimura of Wailua, Kit (Yukiko) Kimura of Wailua, daughters Terilyn (Wayne) Rider of Las Vegas, Diane (Darrell) Snyder of Honolulu, brother Glenn (Cynthia) Kimura of Honolulu, grandchildren Jamie and Ian Kimura, William Kimura, Coe, Ben and Max Snyder and great-grandchild Lyla Mauro.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at All Saints Church, Kapaa. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with Mass to follow at 10 a.m. The family requests casual attire and no Koden or flowers.
Kauai Memorial Gardens assisted the family with arrangements.
Genero Benjamin ‘Gene’ Padilla
April 12, 1950 — April 13, 2025
Gene Padilla, of Lawa‘i, Kaua‘i, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, at the age of 75. Born in Waimea and raised in Kaumakani, he was a proud graduate of Waimea High School, Class of 1968.
In 1970, Gene began his long career with the Sheraton Kaua‘i, where he worked with dedication until his retirement in 2015. Known across the island as a referee and umpire, Gene gave his time and heart to the games—and the young athletes—he helped guide over the years.
On May 18, 1974, he married the love of his life, Margaret Padilla, and together they shared 50 years of marriage filled with family, travel, and laughter.
A world traveler who found joy in new places, Gene’s heart always belonged to Kaua‘i. Though he traveled far and wide, no place ever compared to home.
Gene caught lobster well into his 70s—most times going out on his own—steady, quiet, and at peace with the ocean. He found comfort in the simple moments: sitting outside the house, reading his Kindle, and enjoying the island breeze. He also had a deep love for gardening, always tending to his plants, turning his yard into a quiet, blooming sanctuary.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Margi” Padilla of Lawa‘i, son Kendrick (Annie) Padilla of Oahu, siblings Angie (Burt) Rapanot, Virginia (Joel) Maimon, James Padilla, and Donna Padilla, Paul (Joanne) Ganaden, his cousin and trusted lifelong brother in heart, grandchildren Angelica Durante and Evangelyn (Matt) Jacobson, great-grandchildren Eleena Jacobson and Sebastian Jacobson. He also leaves behind numerous extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
A service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawai.
Visitation from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service. Website: gimortuary.com
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Wilcox Hospital and Kaua‘i Hospice for their exceptional care and support during this time.
Prisco Ancheta
Prisco Ancheta, of Hanamaulu, passed away on April 3, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, on December 24, 1936, and worked as an irrigation worker for Lihue Plantation.
He was preceded in passing by his parents Florencio and Eduarda Padre Ancheta, siblings Pedro (Helen) Ancheta, Juanita (Manrique) Malapit, Clemente P. Ancheta, Dominador Ancheta, Vivencio Ancheta, Filemon Ancheta and brother-in-law Amador Taclan.
Prisco is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Erlinda Ancheta, children Johnoel (Maryknoll) Ancheta, Jeannie (Sean) Andrade, Sherry (Jim Jr.) Ehia, siblings Eligio (Florida) Ancheta, Filipina Taclan, Jaime (Lucena) Ancheta, Rodolfo (Anita) Ancheta, Orlino (Perlita) Ancheta, Celestino (Michele) Ancheta, sisters-in-law Feliza Ancheta, Regina Ancheta, Leticia Ancheta, Robita Ancheta, 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on Saturday, May 24, 2025, with visitation from 8 to 9:30 a.m., funeral Mass at 10 a.m., and burial to follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Annette ‘Nette’ Ku’ulei Manaday
Annette “Nette” Ku’ulei Manaday, 72, of Summerlin, Nevada, passed away at home on Nov. 12, 2024. She was born on June 1, 1952, in Lihue, Kauai. She graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 1970. She worked as a Medical Records Manager at Wilcox Hospital. After retiring, she also managed Kalaheo Medical Clinic and Pacific Eye Center.
She was preceded in death by her parents Dora and Joseph K. Contrades Jr., brothers Maurice Contrades and Thomas Contrades, sisters Patricia Happek and Monica Contrades.
She is survived by her loving husband Steven Manaday, brothers Stanley Contrades and Robert Contrades, sisters Susan (Dennis) Brooks, Therese Stazkow, and Lisa (Daniel) DeRosiers.
A service will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at St. Raphael Church in Koloa. Visitation from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., followed by Mass at 10 a.m. Private burial at a later date. The family requests aloha attire.
Michael Lee Womack
Michael Lee Womack, 77, of Kapa’a, passed away at home on April 10, 2025. He was born on Dec. 8, 1947, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was a retired Master Sergeant of the Hawaii Air National Guard and co-owner of Kauai Electronics, Inc.
He was preceded in passing by his parents Sakae and Alice Hatakeyama and brother Michael Hatakeyama.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, April Womack, daughters Leslie (Lee Gusman) Womack, Michele (Danny Rego) Womack, grandson Joshua Rego, sisters Sharon Contrades of Kapaa, Joy (Les Koshi) Hatakeyama of Honolulu, sister-in-law Darlene Hatakeyama of Washington, brothers-in-law Dennis Yoshihara of California, Gordon Yoshihara of Kapaa, Wayne Yoshihara of Kapaa, as well as numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Kapaa. Visitation from 9 to 11 a.m., with services to follow.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Rose Dela Cruz Carvalho
Rose Dela Cruz Carvalho passed away on April 16, 2025, at the age of 96. She was born in Kealia, Kauai, on June 15, 1928. She worked as a loving and compassionate nurse at Wilcox Memorial Hospital for 42 years, where she was loved and respected by the hospital staff and patients.
She was preceded in passing by her beloved husband of 36 years, Lawrence Souza Carvalho, son Eric John Carvalho, and parents Constancio and Antonina Dela Cruz.
Rose is survived by her children Clayton (Doreen) Carvalho, Laurine (Ray) Pagaduan, Mark (Grace) Carvalho, Clyde (Jodi) Carvalho, grandchildren Liana Rose and Jaron Ray Pagaduan, Kaley Erica Carvalho, Lawrence Kealii and Robyn Piilani Carvalho, brother Mark (Patty) Dela Cruz and their children Kaitlyn, Charlie, and Eztra Dela Cruz, and numerous other nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Church with visitation from 8 to 9:30 a.m., a funeral Mass at 10 a.m., and burial to follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Dean R. Agcaoili
Dean R. Agcaoili, of Mililani, Hawaii, age 57, passed away at home with family on April 2, 2025. He was born in Lihue, Kauai. He was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and an architect.
He is survived by his wife Lisa Agcaoili, stepson Lomana Ortiz of the Netherlands, sister Florence (Patrick) Travis of Kauai, nephews Jadon (Malya) Travis of Langley, B.C., Canada and Mason Travis of Kauai, and niece Joy (James) Olivera of Miami, Florida.
A service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Mililani Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses (Kingdom Hall A), 239 Palii St., Mililani. Visitation is at 4 p.m., followed by services at 5 p.m.
Ruben Lagundino
Ruben Lagundino, 74, of Lihue, passed away on March 30, 2025, at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. He was born in the Philippines on Feb. 10, 1951. A proud United States National Guard veteran, Ruben dedicated 20 years of service as a pest controller at Lihue Plantation and later retired as a custodian with the County of Kauai.
He was preceded in death by his parents Nemicio Lagundino and Rufina Balaan, brothers Onofre, Percival, Jimmy, and Rudy Lagundino.
Ruben is survived by his loving wife Fely Pascual Lagundino, brother Elmer (Thelma) Lagundino, sisters Zenaida Ano, Teresita (Mario) Tangonan, and Fe Ramos, brothers-in-law Edmund (Cora) Pascual and Ruven Pascual, sisters-in-law Delia (Henry) Bumagat and Josie (Jaime) Pablo, along with numerous aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Church. Visitation begins at 8:30 a.m., with Mass to follow at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery. The family kindly requests casual attire.
The family extends their deepest mahalo to Dr. Nicholas Franklin and the staff of Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, and Dr. Monty Downs and the team at Kauai Hospice, for their exceptional care and support over the past few months.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Laurinda Leiaulani ‘GMA LEI’ Werner Cano
Laurinda Leiaulani “GMA LEI” Werner Cano, passed away at KVMH on April 11, 2025. She was born on June 15, 1943, in Nanakuli, Oahu. She was a retired custodian at Waimea Canyon School.
She was preceded in death by her husband Frank Palani Cano Jr., parents Mary Mahuka-Werner and Edward Brown, grandson Dwayne Rita, siblings Calvin “Nunu” Werner, Ewalani Combs, James Kimo Werner and Barney Boy Werner.
GMA Lei is survived by her six children Francine “Mz Fran” Oligo, Frank “Bully” (Judy) Cano, Franchot “Hawaiian” (Pamai) Cano, Francisco “Mauna” (Pomai) Cano, Francella “Napua” (Lloyd) Rita, Francford Kinonui “Bradda” (Jamie) Cano,
14 grandchildren Kaliko (Jessa) Oligo, Noelani (Riley) Refamonte, Thomas (Kayla) Clementino, Jade Cano, Savannah Cano, Amanda Rita, Bradley (Brennan) Cano, Samuel (Bri) Cano, Quinlan Cano, Xavier Cano, Saige Cano, Kinohi Cano, Keahi Cano, seven great-grandchildren Hunter Furtado-Oligo, StarrLee Furtado-Oligo, Kaleah Oligo, Hadley Oligo, Evelyn Clementino, Rio Keao Cano, Kaius Kaimana Cano, siblings Leonae Keala Rodrigues, Charles Papoko Mahuka and John Mahuka.
Beloved close family friends Grace, Kathy, Beverly, Kristen and her son Keewe, the Laulea Hawai`i Pidgin Local Hui of Witnesses fo Jehovah. Mahalo for all your support.
Memorial service will be on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 8833 Kaumualii Hwy, Kekaha HI 96752. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. with service to follow from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Aloha attire is suggested. Flowers omitted.
The entire Cano ohana would like to give a special thanks to KVMH, the nursing staff, home care workers, Kauai Care Center and close special friends for all their dedication and support during this journey with Gma Lei. A huge mahalo to Bruce at Garden Island Mortuary for helping the Cano ohana during this time.
