Don Aanavi

Don Aanavi

Don Aanavi

Rev. Deacon Dr. Don M.R. Aanavi, 72, of Ninole, died at Hilo Medical Center on July 22. He was born in New York City and was a retired professor of art with the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where he also served as campus minister. He received his undergraduate education at Hunter College, City University of New York, his master’s degree from the East West Center of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and his Ph.D. with distinction from Columbia University. He was curator of the Laurance Rockefeller Collection of Asian and Oceanic Art at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and was the author of The Art of Mauna Kea, published by the East West Center Press in 1990. Rev. Dr. Aanavi was a deacon at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hilo, where he also taught bible study. Friends may call at St. Joseph on Aug. 14 at 8 a.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. The family requests casual attire and that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of Hilo in memory of Aanavi. He is survived by his son, Michael Aanavi of Mill Valley, Calif. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.