Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. Content is subject to editing for parity treatment and style continuity. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
James Cipriano
James Nu’uanu Cipriano, 57, of Las Vegas, died Sept. 18, 2019, at his home. Born Nov. 17, 1961, in Kealakekua, he was a customer and ground service agent for Delta Airlines and a U.S. Navy veteran.
Visitation will be held at 8 a.m. Nov. 16 at Pukaana Congregational Church in Kealia, South Kona. Memorial service will begin at 9:30 a.m. The family requests casual attire.
He is survived by his wife, Desirae Cipriano of Las Vegas; daughters, Kawailani (Clayton Jiminez) Cipriano and Malia Cipriano of Las Vegas; brothers, George Cirpiano, Jr., of Kailua-Kona and Matthew (Pearl) Cipriano of Corona, Calif.; sisters, Geraldine (Calvin) Ely of El Paso, Texas, Emelia (Wayne) Kiwaha Sr. of Kealia-Hookena, Marilee (Howard K.) Alapai and Imogene Cipriano-Keka of Kailua-Kona; hanai mother, Daisy K. Losalio of Kealia-Hookena; 4 grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Palm Southwest Mortuary, Las Vegas
Edward Ha Jr.
Edward Ha Jr., 91, of Pahoa, died Oct. 28, 2019, in Hilo. He was an Air Force veteran as well as a dentist who served Palau, Oahu, and more recently had his own practice in Pahoa.
A private service was held. Online condolences: www.homelanimemorialpark.com
He is survived by three daughters, Beverly Barton, Charlotte Ha, and Phyllis Ha; and two sons, Gregory Ha and Bruce Ha.
Eleuterio Gabriel, Sr.
Eleuterio “Terri” Pascual Gabriel, Sr., 77, of Papaikou, died Oct. 12, 2019, at Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu. Born in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, he was a retired employee of the Mauna Kea Sugar Company in the Cultivation Department and a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Papaikou.
Friends may call 5-6 p.m. Nov. 22 at Dodo Mortuary Chapel for a 6 p.m. prayer service. Friends may call again 10 a.m. Nov. 23 at the Homelani Memorial Park in Hilo for a graveside service, Ilima Section. Casual attire; flowers and lei are welcomed.
He was preceded in death by son, Eleuterio P. Gabriel, Jr.; parents, Marcelino and Priscilla Gabriel; sisters, Perpetua Melchor and Dinah Cruz.
He is survived by wife, Claire Gabriel of Papaikou; son, Troy (Jacqueline) Gabriel of Auburn, Wash.; daughters, Helen “Yvonne” (Derk) Benisch of Duvall, Wash. and Heidi (Benjamin Jr.) Pana of Papaikou; brothers, Andres (Cecelia) Gabriel of Washington and Bernard (Debra) Gabriel of Henderson, Nev.; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc.
Garfield Rutt
Garfield Harding Rutt, 59, died Oct. 7, 2019, in Hilo. Born Feb. 27, 1960, in Baltimore, he was a veteran of the United States Marines and was awarded Rifle Marksman Badge, Meritorious Mast, and Good Conduct Medal. Garfield was also a “friend of Bill W” for 30-plus continuous years and helped many others throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
A celebration of life will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 16 at Kalapana Maunakea First Hawaiian Congregational Church, 14-3502 Kahoolawe Road, Nanawale Estates, Pahoa. Inurnment services will be held 9 a.m. Nov. 18 at East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2, 110 Laimana St. in Hilo. Casual attire.
Online condolences: www.homelanimemorialpark.com
He is survived by his sisters, Velda Noto of Pennsylvania and Vicki Carter (Roger) of Delaware.
Nancy Tajiri
Nancy Miyoko Tajiri, 90, of Hilo, died Oct. 22, 2019, at her residence in Hilo. Born in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan on April 6, 1929, she was employed as a kitchen helper at the former Dick’s Coffee House and KK Tei Restaurants in Hilo. She was a member of the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin and Fujinkai.
Private services held. No flowers, no koden.
She is survived by son, Wayne (Kay) Tajiri of Hilo; daughters, Jo-Ann (Norman) Hirako of Hilo and Shirley Takaesu of Wailuku, Maui; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; numerous nephews and nieces.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc. in Hilo.
Carl Bergstrom, III
Carl “Bill” William Bergstrom, III, 60, of Ocean View, died Sept. 12, 2019, in Waikoloa. Born April 2, 1959, in Los Angeles, he was the owner of Kailua Blue Pool &Spa.
Private service to be held. Memorial donations in his name may be sent to North Hawaii Hospice, 65-1328 Kawaihae Road, Kamuela, Hawaii 96743.
He is survived by daughter, Elizabeth Bergstrom of California; sister, Karen (David Prentiss) Bergstrom of Waikoloa; cousins, Richard (Cathy) Corcoran of Nova Scotia, Maureen (Arnie) Rosenbaum of Virginia, Janis Ault of Washington, Jeb Bergstrom of Texas; companion, Beth Chun of Kailua-Kona; numerous nieces, nephews, hanai family and friends.
Arrangements by Cremation Services of West Hawaii.
Thomas Hering
Thomas “Tom” George Hering, 85, of Kailua-Kona, died Nov. 5, 2019, at Life Care Center of Kona. Born June 19, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, he was an electronics salesman, a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Michael’s Catholic Church and a U.S. Navy veteran.
Services held.
He is survived by his wife, Edith Hering oF Kailua-Kona; daughter, Laura (Tony) Cooper of Cedar Park, Texas; sons, Timothy (Dusadee) Hering of Honolulu and Fred (Kelly) Hering of California; brother, Fred (JoAnn) Hering of Illinois; sisters, Lucille (rich) Clesen, Josephine (Guy) La Thomas, and Catherine Hering, all of Illinois; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary Kona.
Jane Kaiawe
Jane Leimomi Kaiawe, 63, of Pahoa, died Nov. 9, 2019, at Hawaii Care Choices formerly Hospice of Hilo. Born Feb. 2, 1956, in North Kohala, she was a retired clerk for the Department of Public Works in the Engineering Department County of Hawaii and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Friends may call 9-10 a.m. Nov. 19 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Kaumana Ward) 522 Ponahawai St. in Hilo. Funeral service at 10 a.m. Casual attire, fowers and lei are welcomed, no crosses. Burial is at Alae Cemetery, Mormon section.
She is survived by sons, Quentin (Shamene) Medeiros of San Diego, Shelton (Harmony) Medeiros of Laupahoehoe and Jason Medeiros of Mesa, Arizona; daughter, Tracie (Bryston) Medeiros of Pahoa; sister, Elizabeth Freitas of Mililani, Oahu; brother, Thomas Gary (Barbara) Kaiawe of Kapolei, Oahu; 13 grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc.
Adelina Castro
Adelina “Lina” Mary Marie Castro, 80, of Hilo, died Nov. 6, 2019, at Hawaii Care Choices Pohai Malama Care Center. Born in Honomu, she was a lover of the Lord.
Visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m. Nov. 23 at Living Waters Assembly of God, 89 Maikai St. in Hilo. Service is at 10 a.m. Private urn burial at a later date. Casual attire.
She is survived by daughters, Raymona (Kaleo) Souza of Hilo and Lynn (Matthew) Wung of Hilo; sons, Raymond (Kuulei) Castro of Ainaloa, Gary (Elizabeth) Castro of Hilo, Harry (Ivette) Castro of Hilo and Wade Castro of Hilo; sisters, Mercy Ann (Jason) Spain of Las Vegas, Elizabeth Teyema of Oregon and Evelyn Uratani of Hilo; 26 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc. – Hilo Branch.
Rosalina Bender
Rosalina “Lita” Bender, 82, of Keaau, died Oct. 14, 2019, at Hilo Medical Center. Born on March 16, 1937, in Keaau, she was a retired kitchen helper for Hilo Hospital, a hair dresser, a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Keaau and a member of Hilo Hospital Retirees Club.
Visitation will be held from 4-5 p.m. Nov. 23 at Dodo Mortuary Chapel, Hilo. Service is at 5 p.m. Casual attire.
She is survived by husband, Rainer Bender of Keaau; sister, Carmen (Dino) Canda of Keaau; one sister-in-law; nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc. – Hilo Branch.
Leslie Silva
Leslie Silva, 59, died Oct. 19, 2019, at Pohai Malama in Hilo. Born June 27, 1960, in California, she was a jewelry sale associate for a private jewelry company.
A memorial service will be held at Naniloa Hotel on Nov. 21. Email a RSVP to alexandraberlin808@gmail.com
Leslie is survived by Brent A. Silva; father, Jan Berlin; mother, Janet Berlin of Santa Barbara, Calif.; son, Bronson Silva of Hilo; daughters, Alexandra Berlin of Hilo, Cassidy Silva of Seattle; brothers, Greg Berlin and Bruce Berlin of California; sister, Anne Bruce of Illinois; and one grandson.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo.
Franell Pe’a-Henry
Franell K. Pe’a-Henry, 51, died at Hilo Medical Center on Nov. 2, 2019. Born on March 3, 1968, in Kona, she was a wife and mother to her family.
Services will be held at Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo at 570 Kinoole St. Hilo, HI 96720, on Nov. 22. Public visitation is from 8:30-9:30 a.m., service at 10am, and burial at noon at Veterans No. 2 Cemetery, 110 Laimana St. in Hilo. Lunch to follow.
Franell is survived by husband, Lloyd K. Henry; father, Francis W. Pe’a; mother, Linell M. Pe’a; sons, Daylen Chang, David Chang; daughters, Shannon Dalmacio, Shauntea Chang; stepdaughter, Leanne Mahi; brothers, Lirahn Pe’a, Ricky Acevedo; sister, Johnell Pe’a; five grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo.
Martha DeMeo
Martha DeMeo, 95, of Hilo, died Nov. 8, 2019, at Hilo Medical Center. Born Sept. 26, 1924, in Connecticut, she was a retired librarian, elementary and high school teacher on the mainland. She loved reading, the beach and visiting the botanical gardens.
Private memorial service and celebration of her Life will be held at later date.
She is survived by six children; daughter, Robin DeMeo of Hilo; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc.
Abe Kihe, Jr.
Abe “Sonny Boy” Wailama Kihe, Jr., 77, of Waimea, died Nov. 3, 2019, at his residence. Born June 4, 1942, in Hilo, he was a heavy equipment operator for Isemoto Contracting Co., Ltd., Morrison-Knudsen, George “Maka” Oye Inc. General Construction, a ranch hand at Parker Ranch, and member of Operators Engineer, AFL-CIO and the Cattlemen’s Association.
Visitation will be held at 8 a.m. Nov. 30 at the family’s residence, 64-1031 Kekauluohi St. in Waimea. Service will begin at 9 a.m. with lunch to follow. The family requests casual attire.
He is survived by his wife, Merline Lehua Kihe; daughters, Christine Lehua Young, Abeline Wainani (Ivan) Primo, and Emily Leimamo (Edward Kawamoto; sons, David Wailama Kihe and Abraham Wailama (Pi’ikea) Kihe, III; sister, Dolly (Alfredo) Asprer; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary Kona.
Malania Eseroma
Malania Nedina Kapika Eseroma, 49 of Hilo, has died. Born in Kahulu Dec. 26, she was a registered nurse in the Emergency Room at Hilo Medical Center.
In keeping her wishes, there will be no viewing. People may send their condolences to P.O Box 1552 Keaau, HI 96749.
Survived by sons Junior Tavu’I Kapika Eseroma, Keali’I (Alexis) Kaika-Overturf; daughters Tabitha Oliana Maria Kapika Eseroma, Malania Fa’atali Kapika Eseroma; grandson Tristan Tavu’i Kalikolaniakeali’I Kapika-Overturf; brothers Nedric Kapika, Ned Kapika Jr., Lordel Kapika, Nedrian Kapika, Michael Kapika, Nedward Kapika, Nedwynn Kapika; sisters Nedyne Watanabe, Nedatte Nihipali.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo.
Mary Mico
Mary Margaret Mico, 60, of Volcano, died Oct. 30, 2019, at Hawaii Care Choices. Born Feb. 26, 1959, in Wyoming, she worked for Hilo Walmart as a receiving department worker.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Survived by lifelong partner Joseph R. Talon of Volcano; son, Rocco A. Mico-Talon of Volcano; daughter, Susan L. (Lunalilo H. Salas) Mico-Talon of Volcano; six grandchildren, Lehuanani Salas and Ikaika Salas of Tennesse, Anthony Stacey Ramos-Talon, Araiyah Star Ramos-Talon, Azaiah-Sayshyn Ramos and Alannah-Shealyn Ramos-Talon of Volcano; sisters, Roxy A. (Randy F. Wentworth) Mico of Mt. View and Frances McCurley of Sacramento, California.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc.
Sunao Taketa
Sunao Taketa, 93, of Kona, died Sept. 26, 2019, at Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu. Born Dec. 6, 1925, he was a manager/movie projectionist at the Aloha Theatre, U.S. mail carrier, maintenance engineer at the Kona Inn, retired as a carpenter from the King Kamehameha Hotel, was an avid bowler, member of the Kona Warriors Softball Ohana and owned a coffee farm.
Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. Nov. 16, at Lanakila Congregational Church in Kainaliu. Srvice will begin at 10 a.m. with inurnment in the church’s cemetery and luncheon to follow. The family requests casual attire.
Survived by brother, Takashi Taketa; sons, Jimmy (Linda) Taketa, Gary (Waynette) Taketa, Brian (Sunshine) Taketa, Wesley (Joi) Taketa; daughter, Yvonne (Warren); numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Leeward Funeral Home