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.
Alfredo “Pedong” Aleganga Lauro
Alfredo “Pedong” Aleganga Lauro, 86, of Hilo died Jan. 24 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Paauilo, he was a retired journeyman machinist for the former Ka‘u Agribusiness, career counselor at Ka‘u High School, freelance photographer, member of Volcano Golf and Country Club and Hawaii Army National Guard veteran. Visitation 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday (March 16) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Casual attire. Survived by wife, Leslie Lauro of Hilo; sister, Encarnation Evangelista of Ainaloa; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Raymond “Hamon” Vega
Raymond “Hamon” Vega, 83, of Kohala, died Feb. 9 at home. Born in Kohala, he was a retired county equipment operator, irrigation worker for the former Kohala Sugar Co., nut picker for Bond Macadamia, member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kohala Ward, founder of Kita’s Mukule and Local Boyz baseball teams; referee for high school basketball, Kohala High School J.V. coach, and coach for Kohala Senior Baseball Team. Visitation 8-10:30 a.m. Saturday (March 16) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kohala. Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Cremation to follow. Casual attire. Survived by wife, Christine “Chris” Vega of Hawi; sons, Brian (Marlene) Vega of Hilo, Raymond (Cathy) Vega of Maui, Steven Vega of Kohala, Jason (Teresa) Vega and Andre Chow-Vega of Kohala; hanai son, Darrel Cabrera of Las Vegas; hanai daughter, Cheryl Cabrera of Kohala; goddaughter, Raynae Kanehailua Baldos of Kohala; sister, Roseline Noble of Kohala; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Fujiko Nakai Dochin
Fujiko Nakai Dochin, 95, of Waimea died Jan. 27 at Hale Ho‘ola Hamakua. Born in Papaikou, she was a cafeteria manager for Waimea School, babysitter; courtesy clerk for the former Sure Save, homemaker and member of Kamuela Hongwanji Mission, Kyodan and Fujinkai, Buddhist Women’s Association, Waimea Senior Citizen Club, Retired Seniors Volunteer Program and American Japanese Civic Association. Visitation 10-11 a.m. Saturday (March 16) at Kamuela Hongwanji Mission. Memorial Service at 11 a.m. Casual attire; no flowers. Service on Zoom starting at 10:45 a.m. Meeting ID: 867 6098 0048, Passcode: 301963. Survived by children, Daniel (Cecelia) Dochin of Kona, Gail Dochin of Waimea, Robin (Charlene) Dochin of Texas, Kim (Christine) Dochin of Waimea and Matt (Stephanie Janiw) Dochin of Maui; brother, James (Yuriko) Nakai of Gardena, Calif.; sister, Elaine Sensui of Honolulu; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Larry Neil Castle
Larry Neil Castle, 84, of Keaau died March 7 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Woodland, Wash., he was a retired machinery engineer and member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Memorial Mass 10 a.m. Saturday (March 16) at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pahoa. Burial to follow at the church cemetery. Casual attire. Survived by wife, Erlinda Castle of Keaau; sons, Deric Castle and Tyler Castle of Washington, Grant Castle of Tennessee, Christian Castle and Chris Castle of Washington; brothers, Roger Castle of Washington and Alan Castle of Arizona; three grandchildren. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Clara Leimomi Borges Bell
Clara Leimomi Borges Bell, 101, of Hilo died Feb. 22 at home. Born in Kaueleau, Puna, she was a retired substitute public schoolteacher and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Hilo Stake and Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna. Visitation 9-10 a.m. Thursday (March 14) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1373 Kilauea Ave. in Hilo. Service at 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow at Homelani Memorial Park. Survived by daughter, Leona (Dean) Schroeder of Keaau; son, Jerry (Pamela) Bell of Hilo; 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.