Daemerson K. Awong Jr., 40, of Volcano died Jan. 30 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Hilo, he was a biological science technician for Research Co-op University of Hawaii and worked at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitation 9-11 a.m. Saturday (March 22) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at Homelani Memorial Park. Survived by son, Anuenuekaupo K. Awong; partner, Kodie Costa; parents, Daemerson “Pooch” K. and Keola Awong; brothers, Dana (Katie) Pila and Ki‘eki‘e (Nicole) Awong; sister, Desiree (Mailani Davis) Awong; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Sumiko “Mats” Bento, 97, of Hilo died Feb. 20 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Hilo, she was a retired registered nurse. Visitation 8:30-9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 27, at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Eulogy and tribute at 9:30 a.m. Memorial service at 10 a.m. Urn burial to follow at East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2. Casual attire. Online condolences: dodomortuary.com. Survived by daughters, Jeanette Bento and Laura-Lee (Raymond) Rodrigues of Hilo; sister-in-law, Janet Araujo of Keaau; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; nephews, nieces, cousins, grandnephews and grandnieces. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Marcelino “Celino” Acain Ganancial, 95, of Hilo died March 9 at home. Born in Tabuyoc, Binalonan, Pangasinan, Philippines, he was retired from macadamia nut sanitation at Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Co. and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the San Lorenzo Choir. Visitation 5-6 p.m. Tuesday (March 18) Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Wake service at 6 p.m. Visitation again 8:30-9:30 a.m. Wednesday (March 19) at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. Burial to follow at Alae Cemetery. Survived by wife, Jovita Ganancial; daughters, Linda (Dani Sr.) Villena, Myrna (Joseph) Caro, Elflida (Jose) Luis, Josephine Ganancial, Ligaya (Eduard) Fernandez and Filipina (Robert) Andres of Hilo, Mary Ann (Gary) Whiseant of Colorado; sons, Anthony (Jeffreda) Ganancial of Hilo and Rene Jun (Ariane) Ganancial of California; brother, Daniel Acain Ganancial of Philippines; 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
