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. Any questions regarding obituaries should be directed to the mortuary or to obituaries@westhawaiitoday.com. Memorial advertisements with photos may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Stanley Fujimoto
Stanley “Stan” Takeshi Fujimoto, 72, formerly of Honokaa, passed away on January 30, 2023 at home in Aurora, Colorado; he was a graduate of Honoka’a High School class of 1969 and a Sergeant with the US Army and served in active duty in Vietnam. He retired from United Airlines. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Honoka’a Hongwaji (Hall), (45-516 Lehua Street, Honoka’a) No Koden (monetary gifts) Facial Masks Recommend Preceded in death, son, Todd Fujimoto and his father, Shigeru Fujimoto; he survived by son, Sean Fujimoto of Denver, Colorado; daughter, Lindsey (Jon) Mullica of Parker, Colorado; grandson, Connor Mullica of Parker, Colorado; mother, Fujie Fujimoto of Honoka’a, brothers, Scott (Ilima) Fujimoto and Wesley (Audrey) Fujimoto of Honoka’a; aunts, Tamae Iwamoto of Honoka’a and Harumi (Joseph) Demello of Makakilo and Cheryl (Charles) Kitamura of Nyssa, Oregon; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Daniel Kahakelii
Daniel Joseph Naehu Kahakelii, 88, of Hilo died Feb. 27 at home. He was born in Hilo and was a retired aircraft mechanic and gunnery sergeant with the United States Marine Corps., a Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, (B.P.O.E) Hilo Lodge #759, and the Pu’uwai Opio Seniors Softball League. Visitation 9-11 a.m. Friday (June 30) at the Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Memorial service at 11 a.m. Urn committal services will follow at the Hawaii Veterans Cemetery #2 pavilion. Casual attire; no flowers.Survived by daughters, Cathryn Ululani (Kimo) Turner and Jeanne Aulani (Mervin) Cash of Honolulu, Ellen Mahealani (Clifford) Feliciano of Portland, Ore.; sons, Donald Keoni (Jada) Kahakelii of Honolulu and Joseph (Kelly) Shadle of Iowa; step-son, Robert Harrison of Oahu; sisters, Mercy Oliveira and Emma Kiyan of Hilo; brother, Felward Kahakelii of Hilo; 21 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; numerous nieces &nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Earl Alameida
Earl R. Alameida Sr., 90, of Hilo, passed away on April 10, 2023 at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born August 11, 1932 in Honolulu, he retired as a Firefighter with the Honolulu Fire Department and was a veteran. He is survived by sons, Earl (Carolyn) Alameida Jr. of Haleiwa, Vince (Stacey) Alameida of Los Alamitos, CA, Vearl (Marta) Alameida of Westminster, CA, Eric (Corrinne) Alameida of Ewa Beach; daughters, Edythe (Edward) Green of Kaneohe, Vivian (Mark) Salzman of Keaau, Ernestine (Lawrence) Correa of Hauula, Vachelle Heyward of Mililani; in addition to 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Hilo-Service of Life gathering will be held 10:00am, Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at the Ballard Family Mortuary, Hilo. RSVP-Vivian Salzman (808) 799-0597 or Earl Jr. (808) 781-3019.Oahu-Mass Service 9:00am Saturday, July 15, 2023 at St Roch Catholic Church-Kahuku, followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:30 am at Malaekahana Beach Park in Kahuku. RSVP-Vivian Salzman (808) 799-0597 or Earl Jr. (808) 781-3019. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Shirley Pacheco
Shirley Ann Pacheco, 79, of Hilo, died May 22 at home. She was born on Oahu and was a real estate agent.Visitation 9-11 a.m. Saturday (July 1) at the Dodo Mortuary chapel. Funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at the Homelani Memorial Park. Casual attire.Survived by husband, Joseph G. Pacheco of Hilo; sons, Michael (Bonnie) Muragin and Nick Muragin of Hilo, Henry (Raquel) Muragin of Kamuela; daughters, Scarlett (Mark) Hatayama of Hilo and Arlette (Mark) Mitchell of Virginia; 11 Grandchildren, 17 Great Grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Pearl Chong
Pearl York Lin Chong, 96, of Honolulu, and formerly of Waimea (Kamuela), died May 24, 2023, in Honolulu. Born in Waipio Valley, she was retired from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Private services held.She is survived by son, John Chong of Oregon; daughter, Jean (Cleve) Okamura of Honolulu; brother, Delbert Chang of Hilo; two grandsons, TJ and Chris Ponce; five nieces and three nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Harold McPherson
Harold Faye McPherson, 99, of Pahala, HI, died May 25, 2023 in Pahala, HI. Born in Bellaire, MI on November 16, 1923, he spent three years in the Navy, retired from the Coast Guard, was a Real Estate Agent in Hawaii, and was a member of the Ocean View Baptist Church. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences: www.homelanimemorialpark.com. Survived by daughters, Sharon M. Madsen of Naalehu, HI and Joyce McPherson of Port Townsend, WA; four grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and eleven great-great-grandchildren.
Josephine Kahanaoi
Josephine “Josie” Andaya Kahanaoi, 82, of Keaukaha, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Hilo Medical Center. She was born on April 6, 1941 in Honokaa, Hawaii. She was a retired nurse for Hilo Medical Center. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, July 3rd, 2023 at Dodo Mortuary Chapel, Hilo. Visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. and services to begin at 11 a.m.; lunch to follow at the Kahanaoi Residence in Keaukaha. Casual attire and flowers are welcomed. She is survived by her, children, Cheryl (Lawrence) Baldonado of Pahala, Stephanie (David) Cabreros of Keaau, Deborah (Daniel) Vares of Papaikou, Alejandro (Mary) Abellera Jr. of Hilo, Paulette (Joseph Sr.) Majamay of Hilo, Leina’ala (Glenn) Kahanaoi-Galario of Hilo, and Kawehilani Kahanaoi of Hilo; 24 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lenora Munar of California, Loretta (Mike) Cacoulidous of Honokaa and Doris (Duane) Santiago of Pahala; brother, Abraham Andaya of California; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that became family. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Dennis Matsuyama
Dennis Tetsuo Matsuyama, 79, of Keaukaha, died May 30, 2023 at home. Born in Hilo, he was a retired research associate and soil scientist for the University of Hawaii at Manoa CTAHR, U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran, former scout leader for The Boy Scouts of America Troop 7 and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Keaukaha Ward and various bowling leagues and golf clubs. Friends may call at 8 a.m. June 30, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Hilo Stake Center, 1373 Kilauea Ave. for a 10:30 a.m. service. Burial follows at Homelani Memorial Park Ilima Section. The family requests casual attire be worn. He is survived by daughters, Denise Kuuipo Kelekolio of Keaukaha, Kimi (Keoki) Brown of Waiakea Uka; son, Guy (Makala) Matsuyama of Kaumana; hanai daughter, Ellen Silvestre of Hilo; sisters, Karen Matsuyama and Milena (Richard) Nakatsuka of Oahu, Trudy Sakamoto of Hilo; sisters-in-law, Maydean Bowman of Kohala, Ilima Mahi of North Dakota, Josephine “Sweetheart” Mahi of Hilo; 11 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Setsumi Kimura
Setsumi “Sets” Kimura, 94, of Hilo died May 31 at her home. Born in Hilo, she was a homemaker. Private services. Family requests no flowers and no koden (monetary gifts). Survived by son, Guy (Gwen) Kimura of Hilo; daughters, Kelly Kimura of Hilo, Joan (Kirk) Kirkpatrick of Alabama; brother, Mikio (Jean) Fujino of Honolulu; sister, Gail Morikawa of Hilo; three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Susan Rosete
Mrs. Susan Shigeko Rosete, age 84, of Hilo, Hawaii, passed away on May 31, 2023 at her residence in Hilo. She was born in Hilo, Hawaii on December 18, 1938 and was employed by the State of Hawaii Department of Education as a Title 1 Teacher’s Aide. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hilo, Hawaii. Private services held. No flowers. No Koden (monetary offerings). On-line condolences at www.dodomortuary.com. She is survived by son, Benjamin Rosete, Jr. of Hilo; sisters, Dorothy Chow of Kamuela, Margaret Lee of Kailua, Oahu and Ellen (Thomas) Ishigo of Kailua, Oahu; granddaughters, Reyn (Brian) Chambers of Rhode Island and Railee Rosete of Hilo; numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc. in Hilo, Hawaii.
Tokushige Nakamoto
Tokushige “Shige” Nakamoto, 96, of Keaau, died June 5, 2023 at Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center. Born in Puako, he was the retired owner for the former Aloha Equipment Service, U.S. Army Korean War veteran and member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3830. Private family services at a later date. He is survived by sons, Wayne (Rhonda) Nakamoto of Keaau, Dr. Robin (Cheryl) Matsukawa of Kaneohe, Oahu; daughters, Lynne English of Hilo, Jeri (Mark) Kunzer of Keaau, Dr. Ava (Dr. Richard Schneider) Nakamoto of Federal Way, Wash., Faye (Alberta Mirisciotti) Nakamoto of Costa Mesa, Calif., Cindy (Efren) Casamina of Santa Clara, Calif.; step-daughters, Roni Williams and Jayne Glaser of Nevada; brothers, Tokumasa Nakamoto of Phoenix, Tokusei “Harry” (Florence) Nakamoto of Sonora, Calif.; sisters, Phyllis Choo of Coos Bay, Ore., Sue (Chuck) Wang of Honolulu, Jan Dilley-Nakamoto of North Bend, Ore.; sisters-in-law, Tsuru Nakamoto of Chicago, Harriet Nakamoto of Kaneohe, Oahu; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Robert Kimura
Robert Shizuo Kimura, 70, of Hilo, died June 10, 2023 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Laupahoehoe, he was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran. No services. Family requests no monetary gifts or flowers. He is survived by siblings, Joyce (Paul) Osborn of Columbia, Calif., Jasmine (Pete Bettinger) Kimura of El Cajon, Calif., Sheldon (Yumiko) Kimura of Mililani, Oahu; hanai brother, Paul (Joey) Lee of Keaukaha; aunt, Kazue Kimura of Kalopa; nephew, Brock McDonald and nieces, Hina Kimura and Hana Kimura. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Miriam Kogasaka
Mrs. Miriam Yaeko Kogasaka, age 86, of Hilo, Hawaii, passed away on June 10, 2023 at her residence in Hilo, Hawaii. She was born in Hilo, Hawaii on August 27, 1936 and retired as a Secretary from the former Hilo Pacific Roofing Company. She was a member of the Taishoji Soto Mission in Hilo. Private services held. No flowers. No Koden (monetary offerings). On-line condolences at www.dodomortuary.com. She is survived by son, Daryle (Violet) Kitamori of Hilo; daughters, Kellie (Walter) DeRego of Hilo and Lorna (Mark) Karvas of Hilo; brothers, Donald (Filomena) Oda of California, Raymond (Kathleen) Oda of Hilo, Ronald (Elaine) Oda of Hilo and Derek (Violet) Oda of Hilo; sisters, Lillian Cunningham of Hilo, Vivian (Daniel) Ayala of Hilo, Marian (Zacarias) Somalinog of Hilo and Lynn (John) Wilson of Washington State; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Edmund Wong
Edmund “Wongie” Kin-Cho Wong, 84, of Mountain View died June 10 at his home. Born in Honolulu, he was a drywaller for the Hawaii Carpenters Union Local 745, artist, avid billiard Player, member of the Kamana Senior Center and a veteran of the U.S. Army. A celebration of his life will take place at 9 a.m. Friday (June 30, 2023) at the East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery #2 Pavilion. Casual attire. Survived by wife, Yvonne Wong of Mountain View; children, Edmund Wong of Hilo, Jarvis (Lauren) Wong of Hilo, Suzie Wong of Honolulu; siblings, Bertrum Wong of Kona, Jacqueline Shirai of Honolulu, Warren Wong of Honolulu, Wayne Wong of Mountain View, Winifred Chung of Honolulu, Wanda Johnson of Honolulu, Theodore Souza of Honolulu, Roland Souza of Honolulu, Doreen Souza of Honolulu; three grandchildren. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Valentino Miranda
Valentino “Tino” Hose Miranda, 65, of Papaikou, died on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at home. He was born on June 6, 1958 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was the owner of Wood Creations by T &J. Private viewing will be held at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at Wailoa State Park, Pavilion #2, Hilo. Casual attire. Survived by, wife, Lorna Miranda; daughter, Shantel (Jose) Equihua Sanchez; son, Jose (Jessica White) Miranda-Kepa; stepson, Johnny-Coe (Christine) Keanu; stepdaughters, Johnna-Lynn Ulch and Janna (Lucky) Maka-Nau; brother, Antonio (Debra) Miranda; sisters, Maylene (Dale) Miranda and Nadine (Danny) Sampaga; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 hanai grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc.
Gene Kawai
Gene Solomon Kiko Kawai Jr., 61, of Hawaiian Paradise Park, died June 12, 2023. Born in Ewa, Oahu, he was a Journeyman Drywaller for IUPAT (International Union of Painters and Allied Trades). Celebration of Life July 1, 2023 at Hawi Jodo Mission Hall in Kohala, 55-1104 Akoni Pule Hwy. Visitation from 1-3 p.m.; program at 3 p.m.; dinner to follow. Family requests no flowers. He is survived by mother, Madelaine Kawai of Kohala; son, Damien G.K. Kawai of California; daughter, Jana-Lei (Summer) Marcelino of Georgia; brothers, Bruce (Gwyn Pilapil) Kawai and Richard (Margaret) Kawai of Kohala; sisters, Lurleen Masalosalo, Laura (Lindal Poliahu) Kawai and Michelle (Lisa) Kawai of Kohala; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Harold Yoshida
Harold Hiroshi Yoshida, 94, of Hilo died June 12 at his home. Born in Honolulu, he was a retired postmaster at the Pahala Post Office and a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Private services. Family requests no flowers and no koden (monetary gifts). Survived by wife, Naomi Yoshida of Hilo; sons, Keith (Yumiko) Yoshida of Pahoa, Scott (Lynn) Yoshida of Pearl City, Jay (Jerelyn) Yoshida of Keaau; daughter, Nona (Rick) Johnson of Kahului; sisters, Edith Kanda of California, Dorothy Kusumoto of Honolulu; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.