Obituaries

Mrs. Kuulei Virginia Momi Hoe Kanoho

Friday, March 28th, 2025

Mrs. Kuulei Virginia Momi Hoe Kanoho, age 100, of Hilo, Hawaii passed
away on March 1, 2025 in the Hilo Benioff Medical Center. She was born in
Honolulu, Oahu on May 18, 1924 and was a retired nurse for Dr. Wipperman,
Dr. Harvey, Dr. Lane, Dr. Gutteling, Dr. Zelko and Dr. Carpenter. She was
a member of St. Joseph Church in Hilo. Visitation will be held on
Thursday, April 3, 2025 at St. Joseph Church (43 Kapiolani Street) in
Hilo, Hawaii from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; funeral mass will begin at 9:30
a.m. Burial will follow at Homelani Memorial Park in Hilo, Hawaii.…

Joyce Dudoit

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

Joyce Dudoit was born Feb. 25, 1938, to Henry Kauka and Henrietta Newmann. She had three siblings, and was predeceased by her beloved husband, Puggy, and her son Hanalei. She is survived by her seven children, 22 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. She will be missed. She passed away on Oct. 20, 2024, surrounded by her family. Her services will be held at St. Damien Catholic Church on Saturday, March 22. Public viewing begins at 9 a.m., and services begin at 10:15. Lunch to follow at One Ali’i Park.…

Richard Newton Reed

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

Richard Newton Reed, 90, of Molokai, Hawaii, passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2025.
Born in San Bernardino, California, Richard embarked on a life of adventure when he enlisted in the Navy in 1955. Following his service, he taught himself how to sail while working in Oregon, developing a passion that would define his future.
This love of sailing brought him to the Hawaiian Islands, where he met Doris, the love of his life, in Lahaina. They married on April 28, 1977, beginning a remarkable journey together. Aboard their vessel, Satan’s Doll, they sailed around the world with their faithful dogs at their side.…

Juan “Johnny” Visoria Trinidad – The Youngest Sakada

Thursday, February 6th, 2025

Juan “Johnny” Trinidad was born to Leoncio Rodrigues Trinidad and Lucia Visoria on Feb. 8, 1928 in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He was the oldest of eight children.

He was only 18 years old when he was recruited by the Hawaii Sugar Plantation Association, where his compadres averaged 10 years older than him. He boarded the USS Maunawili, on April 3, 1946, to arrive in Hawaii in October. Thus, he became known as the “Youngest Sakada.”

Juan worked for California Packing Company (CPC) and Del Monte Corporation for a total of 51 years, starting off as a pineapple laborer, and then a truck and harvester driver, a luna and lastly, as a welder in the Kualapuu Shop.…

Robert Mack Granger

Thursday, January 23rd, 2025

Robert Mack Granger passed away quietly on Dec. 16, 2024, at home on Molokai at the age of 84.
Born July 20, 1940 in New Iberia, Louisiana, to Lucille Mack Granger and Ignace A. Granger, Robert was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew.
He graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor’s in General Agriculture, the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a Master’s in Agronomy, and the University of Minnesota with a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding. He worked 30 years for Cargill of Minneapolis in their seed division developing corn hybrids. His work took him to Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.…

Wilfred Takahashi

Thursday, January 16th, 2025

Born June 24, 1932, Wilfred Takahashi, known as Willie, passed away on Dec. 19, 2024. He is survived by his wife Teresita, daughter Maricel and grandsons Benjamin Jr. and Treve.
Before moving to Molokai, Willie served his country in the Korean War, and worked in construction. He also worked at Wailea Golf Course, where he met his darling wife, Tessie. Willie was the last of his veteran friends to survive their daily breakfast club at either Kanemitsu Bakery or at Mrs. K’s. For years, Willie was our famous bell ringer for weekend masses at St. Damien.
Willie’s services will be held Jan.…

RollyAnn Dolores Leilani Kaalekahi-Adams

Thursday, December 12th, 2024

RollyAnn Dolores Leilani Kaalekahi-Adams, affectionately known as KK, daughter of Lalae and Mano Kaalekahi (both deceased), she passed away at the age of 62 on Aug. 11, 2024, She is survived by her husband, Michael Adams, sons Kale (Martina), Cody (Kara) and daughter Kiana (Anthony and Sarah); sisters Rollanda Kaalekahi, Rolda (Sione) Mauala and brother Rolland Jr.
Services will be held on Dec. 27, 2024 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Kalamaula with a burial to follow at the VA cemetery in Ho’olehua.…

Kevin Kalani Pagan

Thursday, December 12th, 2024

Kevin Kalani Pagan, 50, of Maunaloa, passed away on Nov. 17, 2024, at home, surrounded by his loved ones.
Kalani is survived by his wife, Kimberly Albinio Pagan, stepchildren, Chantel, Kristina, Ryan, and Alyssa, hanai son Waiohinu, grandchildren, sister Shelly Ann Pagan, extended family, and friends. He was a dedicated educator at Maunaloa School as a librarian, tech support specialist, and Hawaiian Studies teacher. A former Kumu Hula, Kalani was devoted to sharing Hawaiian culture and traditions. His impact on the community, students, and family was immeasurable.
A scattering ceremony will be held at a later date. He will be greatly missed but will forever remain in our hearts.…

Georgiettie Likopualehua W.I.P. Tancayo

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

The stairway to heaven opened on Oct. 27, 2024 for Georgiette Likopualehua W.I.P. Tancayo to return home to her maker.
On March 12, 1961 Michael (deceased) and Irene Tancayo welcomed their eldest child, Liko. She attended Kaunakakai Elementary, MHS, and graduated from the class of 1979 from Kamehameha Schools. While on Oahu, she worked at Shiro’s Saimin restaurant, joined the Honolulu National Guard, and enlisted in the Air Force. After marrying, she welcomed her son, Kegal-Joe Fook Kun M. Burrill.
Returning to Molokai, she worked various jobs at Kaluakoi Hotel and Golf, Kalaiakamanu Hou Church, Molokai Visitors Association, Mahalo Airlines, Mrs.…

Jovencio Areola Ruiz Jr.

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

Jovencio Areola Ruiz Jr. passed away at his home on Monday, Sept. 14, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on July 23, 1947, to Tito Pascua and Conchita Areola Ruiz in La Union, Phillipines. Jovencio was preceded in death by his son, Jovencio “Boy” Ruiz, and is survived by his wife, Maria, daughters Jovilyn (Shane) Dudoit and Noreen Ruiz, grandchildren Kailee, Haloa, Haku, Hali’ and Isiah, and great granddaughter Everly, as well as many nieces and nephews. Also surviving Jovencio are his siblings, Orlino Ruiz, Arthur Ruiz, Frank Ruiz, Rodaree Ruiz and Manny Ruiz.

Services will be held on Maui, on Thursday, Nov.…