Obituaries for December 16

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Jopelo Theophilo Ermitano, 91, of Hilo died Dec. 5 at home. Born in Naalehu, he was a retired heavy equipment operator, maintenance worker for the former Hilo Medical Group, avid fisherman and a U.S. Army World War II veteran. Private services at a later date. Survived by sons, Keith (Rosie) Ermitano of Spokane, Wash., and Glennon Ermitano of Hilo; daughters, Claudia Pine of Haina, Jo-Nell “Gigi” Palacio of Papaaloa, Gaile Prugh and Sharon (Eric Sr.) Fontes of Hilo, Pam (Billy, Jr.) Kahakua of Mountain View; hanai daughter, Alicia (Johnny) Rodriguez of Florida; daughter-in-law, Laura Ermitano of Fairfield, Calif.; 27 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Jopelo Theophilo Ermitano, 91, of Hilo died Dec. 5 at home. Born in Naalehu, he was a retired heavy equipment operator, maintenance worker for the former Hilo Medical Group, avid fisherman and a U.S. Army World War II veteran. Private services at a later date. Survived by sons, Keith (Rosie) Ermitano of Spokane, Wash., and Glennon Ermitano of Hilo; daughters, Claudia Pine of Haina, Jo-Nell “Gigi” Palacio of Papaaloa, Gaile Prugh and Sharon (Eric Sr.) Fontes of Hilo, Pam (Billy, Jr.) Kahakua of Mountain View; hanai daughter, Alicia (Johnny) Rodriguez of Florida; daughter-in-law, Laura Ermitano of Fairfield, Calif.; 27 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Jaimie Mahelani Leialoha, 47, of Hilo died Dec. 13 at home. Born in Hilo, she was a homemaker. Private services. Survived by husband, Joseph Rutter of Hilo; daughter, Jaylyn (Kaohe) Haleamau of Hilo; son, Joseph Rutter Jr. of Hilo; sisters, Jeanie (Kevin) Arakaki of Wailuku, Maui, Heidi Leialoha of Honolulu and Amber Leialoha of Kailua, Oahu; brother, Frank Ogawa of Hilo; two grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Homelani Cremation Services.