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.
Geronimo Mapalo
Geronimo Doctolero Mapalo, 83, of Mountain View, died Jan. 6, 2021, at his residence. Born Oct. 20, 1937 of Asingan, Pangasinan, Philippines, he was a nursery worker for Puna Certified Nursery in Kurtistown and member to the Hilo Iloko Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Services will be held at a later date.
He is survived by children, Ofelia Pertubal of Mountain View, Romulo (Veronica) Mapalo, Prescilla (Fredie) Sanchez, Teofilo (Editha) Mapalo, Melecio (Susana) Mapalo and Renante Mapalo of Philippines; ten grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Edwin Fernandez Sr.
Edwin Fernandez Sr., 85, of Hilo, died Jan. 2, 2021, at his residence. Born in Papaikou, he was a telephone installer/lineman for GTE Hawaiian Telcom.
Services held.
He is survived by sons, Edwin Fernandez Jr., Geoffrey Fernandez and Johnathan Fernandez; daughter, Edean Sua; brother, Virgin Fernandez; sister, Rosaline Sylvester; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Sadami Yamamoto
Sadami “Yama” Yamamoto, 92, of Hilo, died Jan. 4, 2021m at his residence. Born Aug. 2, 1928, in Kurtistown, he was retired from the County of Hawaii as a laborer, a member of the Anela Kumiai, Hilo Seishikan Aikido Club, Higashi Hongwanji Kyodan, Hilo Daijingu and U.S. Army veteran.
Friends may call at 9 a.m. Jan. 23 at Dodo Mortuary Chapel in Hilo for a 10 a.m. service. The family requests that flowers be omitted and no koden (monetary contributions).
He is survived by wife, Sachiko Yamamoto of Hilo; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Jaime Baraoidan
Jaime “Jimbo” Baraoidan, 85, of Papaikou, died Jan. 2, 2021 ,at Legacy Of Hilo. Born in Maui, he was retired from Krupp Taylor.
Private services will be held at a later date.
He is survived by wife, Karen Baraoidan of Hilo; sons, Jason (Wendy) Galdones of Gardena, California and, Alex (Michelle) Galdones and Derek (Cheryl) Sabino, all of Hilo; daughters, Rochelle Guzman and Francell Garza, both of Gardena, California, and Denise (Rob) Perkins of Las Vegas; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Homelani Cremation Services.
Akiko Higa
Akiko Higa, 89, formerly of Laupahoehoe, died Dec. 27, 2020, at Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center in Hilo. Born in Olaa, she was a retired custodian for Laupahoehoe High and Elementary School, and member of the Papaaloa Hongwanji Mission.
Private services will be held at a later date. The family requests no koden (monetary contributions).
Survived by daughters, Miriam (Neal) Matsunobu of Kona and Leatrice (Ronald) Haas of Moraga, California; son Sheldon Higa of Puna; brothers, Charles Yonamine and Henry Yonamine, both of Honolulu, and Thomas Yonamine of Pearl City, Oahu; sisters, Tsurue Kiyuna of Kaneohe, Oahu, and Bessie Nishioka of Honolulu; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Homelani Cremation Services.
Tepa Fase
Tepa Fase, 89, of Waimea, died Dec. 30, 2020, in Honokaa. Born in 1931, she was a former member of the Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club and Hale O Na Ali’i.
Services will be held at a later date.
She is survived by daughter, Rhonda Peck; son, Lindsey (Margaret) Peck; brother, Robert (Geri) Kawai; and three grandchildren.
Arrangements by Homelani Cremation Services.
