Obituaries for September 11

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

Ruth Keikilani Kalaualii Iokia Akau Elia, 87, of Pahoa died Aug. 8 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Kalihi, Oahu, she was a retired bulk handler for Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Co. and member of Pahoa Higashi Kumiai. Visitation 9-11 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 17) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Service at 11 a.m. Aloha attire. No flowers; lei are welcome. Survived by sons, Daniel Elia of Honolulu and Raymond Elia of Kurtistown; daughters, Maria Elia and Bernice (Kawika) Kaleikini of Pahoa, Ruth (Gary) Kala of Keaau and Lynn Elia of Kaueleau; sister, Margaret Lopes of Nanakuli; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Richard Piia Cann, 81, of Hilo died Sept. 4 at Hawaii Care Choices Pohai Malama Care Center. Born in Hilo, he was a retired Hawaii County police officer, retired head of security for Securitas Security Services at Hilo Airport and U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran. Private services held. Survived by daughter, Nicole (Clayton) Cann-Perreira of Hilo; son, Pono (Michele) Cann of Hilo; four grandchildren. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Vernon Gerard Freitas, 78, of Hilo died April 7 at Hawaii Care Choices Pohai Malama Care Center. Born in Honolulu, he was a teacher at Konawaena and Hilo high schools and several Boston schools, a founding member the Boston Hawaii Club, and member of the Malia Puka ‘O Kalani Catholic Church. Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 17) at Malia Puka ‘O Kalani Catholic Church. Online condolences: homelanimemorialpark.com. Survived by wife, Mary Freitas; son, John Freitas; three grandchildren. Arrangements by Homelani Memorial Park.

Richard Kenji Imaino, 85, of Kailua, Oahu, died Aug. 28 in Kailua, Oahu. He was born in Hilo. Private service at a later date. No flowers or koden (monetary gifts). Survived by sister, Violet (Raymond) Mimaki; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Hosoi Garden Mortuary and Dodo Mortuary.

Antone “Toto” Martin Santiago Jr., 84, of Kapaau died Aug. 6 at home. Born in North Kohala, he was a mechanic for the former Kohala Sugar Co., retired farm hand from Alicia Kings Ranch and member of Hawi Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation 9-9.45 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 17) at Hawi Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial at Hawi County Cemetery. Casual attire. Survived by daughter, Barbara Santiago of Kapaau; son, Kenneth Santiago of Kapaau; brother ,Joseph Santiago of Hilo; sister, Elizabeth Kagimoto of Kohala; two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Mildred Pavao Yamamoto, 82, of Hilo died Sept. 3 at home. Born in Hilo, she was a homemaker and member of Central Christian Church. Visitation 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Service at 6 p.m. Burial noon Tuesday, Sept. 20, Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2. Casual attire; face masks required and will be provided. Survived by son, Bradford (Ann) Yamamoto Sr., of Hilo; daughters, Liyo Yamamoto-Mancia of Long Beach, Calif., and Nyla Yamamoto of Hilo; brother, Richard Pavao of Honolulu; sisters, Jacqueline (Leopoldo) Valera and Florence (Fred) Leslie of Hilo, Dorothy Smith of North Carolina; brother-in-law Clement (Judy) Chang Sr. of Hilo; four grandchildren and a great-grandson, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Cathy Lea Young, 70, of Keaau died Aug. 14 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Fresno, Calif., she was an educational assistant at Keonepoko Elementary School and member of Paradise Park Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Visitation 3-4 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 17) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Service 4 p.m. Casual attire; no flowers. Survived by husband, Bruce Young of Keaau; daughters, Summer (Sy Frazier) Sartain, Ke‘ala (Troy) Tavares and Cheyenne (Kalai Filoteo) Young of Keaau; brother, Chris Sartain of Texas; sister, Lisa (Robert) Kauka of California; hanai children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.