Obituaries

Thursday, February 5, 1998

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Hoichi ‘Bob’ Kubo, 78,
had unique World War II honor

By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

Hoichi “Bob” Kubo, a World War II hero who talked eight Japanese soldiers into releasing 122 Okinawan civilians from a cave on Saipan in 1944, died Sunday in San Jose, Calif., where he has lived since 1955.

Kubo, 78, was born at Puukoli, Maui, and had many friends in Hawaii.

He was a retired grocer and supermarket owner. His World War II service was with the 298th Infantry, 100th Battalion and Military Intelligence Service.

His Saipan bravery earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, the only one awarded a nisei serving in the Pacific.

He volunteered to persuade the Japanese soldiers into letting the civilians go. During mop-up operations on the island, Kubo disappeared into the cave for 4-1/2 hours with a pistol under his shirt and boxes of K rations. He returned with the eight unarmed soldiers and 122 men, women and children.

Drafted into the Army in June 1941, he served in the 298th Infantry through May 1942 when he became a member of the 100th Battalion. Later, he was transferred to intelligence because of his Japanese language skill.

As a language specialist, he was assigned to the 27th Infantry Division, taking part in invasions of Makin, Majuro, Saipan, Tsugenjima and Okinawa. He interrogated prisoners, translated documents and took part in persuading Japanese soldiers, holed up in caves, to surrender.

He returned to Hawaii after the war, working for Hunt Foods.

After moving to San Jose, he and his brothers developed the successful Aloha Super Market. He later affiliated with Food Villa, remaining with the chain until his 1984 retirement.

He is survived by wife Mary; daughter Jacquie Kubo; son Larry; and two grandchildren.

Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Chapel of Roses, Oak Hill Cemetery, San Jose, Calif.

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Susan A.C. Alvaro, 87, of Honolulu died Friday. Born in Hanapepe, Kauai, she is survived by daughters Margaret Apao and Rose Marie; son Richard; sister Pearl “Momi” Wong; brother Valentine Ching; 15 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Mass: 1:15 p.m. Saturday at Sacred Hearts Academy Chapel. Call after 11 a.m. Burial: Hawaiian Memorial Park. Aloha attire.

Marjorie P.C. Araujo, 62, of Hilo died Tuesday at home. Born in Hilo, she is survived by husband Albert; daughters Winona and Paula Ninio, Malisa Lee and Kathy Sanchez; hanai son Dayton Maruyama; brother James J. Cordeiro; stepbrother Herbert Lato; stepsister Dorothy Pacheco; and seven grandchildren. Services: noon Saturday at Glad Tidings Church. Call after 11 a.m. Casual attire.

Henry J. Baldwin, 88, of Haiku, Maui, senior vice president and general manager of Dole Philippines, died Sunday in Maui Memorial Hospital. He was also with Maui Pineapple Co. Born in California, he is survived by wife Helen; brother Wilfred “Bunt”; son Bill; daughters Susie Decoite, Bettie Ventura, Pamila Lustig and Judy Baldwin; 16 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Services over ashes: 10 a.m. Saturday at Makawao Union Church. Inurnment: Makawao Cemetery. No flowers. Donations suggested to Maui Humane Society or the Maui Chapter of the American Cancer Society. Aloha attire. No flowers.

William E. “Billy” Betts, 76, of Wailuku died Sunday in Maui Memorial Hospital. Born in Waipahu, he is survived by brother Rodger and sisters Alexa Jarrett and Cleo B. Lee. Services: 1 p.m. Saturday at Good Shepherd Church. Private burial. Casual attire. No flowers.

Ronald Bevins, 55, of Kapaa, Kauai, died Tuesday at home. Born in Los Angeles, he is survived by wife Dody, son Michael T. and a grandchild. Private services. Donations suggested to American Cancer Society.

Mark A.P. Castillo, 2, of Waipahu died Jan. 28 in Kapiolani Hospital. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by parents Samuel and Vicenta; brothers Daniel Monje and John M. Espanto and stepfather Arsenio Espanto. Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Church, 94-675 Farrington Highway. Call after 8:30 a.m. Burial: Sunset Memorial Park. Casual attire.

Frank R. Cox, 64, Western regional manager with Monaco Enterprises Inc., died last Thursday at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. He was also former fire chief at Hickam Air Force Base. Born in West Nottingham, Md., he is survived by wife Tina T. and sisters Patsy Cress, Bonnie Mooney and Nancy Ropka. Memorial services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Nelles Chapel on Hickam Air Force Base. Call after 9 a.m.

Eleanor M. Deliso, 78, of Nanakuli died Jan. 15 in St. Francis Hospital. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by sons Robert R. Donner and John W. Deliso; daughters Claudine Oney, Velma E. Awana, Lola M. Mathias and Linda M. Jackson; brothers Franklin, Linoel, Manuel and Salvador Mathias; sisters Natasha Dudiot, Ramona Lai-Acasia and Claudette Mahuka; 22 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Call after 9:30 a.m. Burial: Nanakuli Homestead Cemetery. Aloha attire.

Kamakaokalani Enriquez-Hauanio, stillborn son of mother Denise Enriquez and father Les Hauanio died Tuesday in Hilo Hospital. He is also survived by maternal grandparents Antone and Winnie Enriquez, maternal great-grandmother Annie Ah Hee and paternal grandparents Benjamin and Elaine Hauanio. Graveside services: 10 a.m. Saturday at the Enriquez family cemetery in Kalapana. Casual attire.

Nehasi M. Fale‘ofa, 17, of Holualoa, Kona, Hawaii, a janitor with Hawaii Care and Cleaning, died Saturday in Kona Community Hospital. Born in Navutoka, Tonga, he is survived by parents Kamilo and Sinouvi; brothers Fakaosifono, Vave, Daniel K., Samiu T. and Tevita T.; maternal grandmother Lesieli Palaimaea; and hanai father Falakesi Pala‘imaea. Wake services: 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Fale‘ofa’s home in Holualoa, Kona, Hawaii. Call after 6 p.m. Mass: 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Call after 8 a.m. Burial: Holualoa Catholic Cemetery. Casual attire. No flowers.

Mary M. Gschweng, 38, of Opihihale, Kona, Hawaii, a rural postal carrier in Kailua-Kona, died Sunday in Kona Community Hospital. Born in Kealakekua, Kona, Hawaii, she is survived by husband Eduard; son Ben-Israel Swan; daughters Joycelyn N. Swan and Sarah L. Gschweng; son Shaun S.; mother Edita Melchor; brothers Silverio Jr., David J., Joseph E. and Peter P. Queja; and sisters Dolores M. Johnson and Esther Kubli. Wake services: 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at Calvary Community Church. Call after 5:30 p.m. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Call after 9 a.m. Burial: Kona Memorial Park in Holualoa. Casual or aloha attire. No flowers.

Donna R.A. Heu, 35, of Honolulu died Monday in Queen’s Hospital. She is survived by husband Darryl; daughter Casey Castillo; sons Brandon and Shanen; parents Albert and Evelyn Akana; and sisters Terry Kaleiwahea and Linda Yago. Services: 11 a.m. Sunday at Diamond Head Mortuary. Call after 9 a.m. Cremation to follow. No flowers. Aloha attire.

Verona H. Jackson-Creel, 67, of Mililani, a retired employee from Liberty House, died Jan. 25 in Queen’s Hospital. Born in Crewe, Va., she is survived by daughter Verona R. Collier, hanai daughter Carolyn and a grandson. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. Call after 9 a.m. Burial: Hawaiian Memorial Park. Aloha attire. No flowers.

Agueda T. Jaquias, 89, of Ewa Beach died Jan. 18 in St. Francis-West Hospital. Born in Tayum, the Philippines, she is survived by son Ruben T.; daughters Julieta Mabutas, Bella Ramos and Conchita Perlas; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Mass: 11 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Church, 91-1298 Renton Road. Call after 9:15 a.m. Burial: Mililani Memorial Park. Casual attire.

Yukio Komori, 76, of Wahiawa, who retired from Civil Service, died Friday in Kuakini Hospital. He was also a U.S. Army veteran. Born in Wahiawa, he is survived by sons Eric K. and Roger E. Komori and Gerard Sullivan and sister Helen Y. Sekiya. Memorial services: 6 p.m. Saturday at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, mauka chapel. Casual attire. No flowers.

Vernol L. Leandro, 76, of Waianae, ue8 retired from the U.S. Army, died Friday in Wahiawa General Hospital. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by sons Vernol Jr., Donald and Clifton R.; daughters Donna Fernandez, Terri Cordeira and Carolyn Alimoot; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Private services.

Bienvenido O. Molina, 77, of Kapolei, a retired housekeeper at the Sheraton Hotels, died Jan. 27 at home. Born in Alicia, Bohol, the Philippines, he is survived by wife Gregoria C.; sons Dominador C., Ignacio C., Efren C., Cyrus C., Dr. Bienvenido C. Jr. and Neil C.; daughters Zenaida M. Duterte, Zeniha M. Olszewski, Zenia M. Patrick, Zelda M. Pagala and Zenilda M. Chapman; and 11 grandchildren. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Mililani Downtown Mortuary. Call after 8:30 a.m. Burial: Valley of the Temples. Casual attire.

Marjorie “Aunty Margie” Napeahi, 81, of Kaneohe died Jan. 20 in Honolulu. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by daughters Jan Vierra, Crystal Naki and Donna L. Kirby; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary. Call after 8:30 a.m. Burial: Hawaiian Memorial Park. Aloha attire. No flowers.

Jack T. Osakoda, 75, of Kahului, a former employee with First Insurance Co. of Hawaii Ltd., died Monday in Maui Memorial Hospital. He was also retired from Noguchi & Associates Inc. Born in Paia, Maui, he is survived by wife Fumiko P.; son Ronald T.; daughters Jacquelyn S. Dunbar, Roberta M. Harada and Grace S. Akaou; brother Thomas T.; sisters Keono Shishido, Haruko Soranaka and Katherine K. Ota; and seven grandchildren. Services over ashes: 4 p.m. Saturday at Kahului Hongwanji Mission. Casual attire. No flowers.

Lynda F. Paiva, 40, of Honolulu died Tuesday in Kuakini Hospital. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by husband Russell; sons Jeremy and Russell; daughter Chrystal-Lyn; parents Kenneth and Florence Kaneshiro; biological father George Namba; brothers Eric John and Von Kenric Kaneshiro; and sister Gayle Nakama. Memorial services: 2 p.m. Saturday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Call after 1 p.m. Casual attire.

Phillip Perry, 89, of Honolulu died Sunday in Kaiser Hospital. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by daughters Lorraine Soares and Phyllis Nahale, nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Servic es: 10:30 a.m. Monday at Borthwick Mortuary. Call from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Burial: Hawaiian Memoral Park. Casual attire.

Robert L. Pohlmeyer, 49, of Ewa Beach died last Thursday in St. Francis-West Hospital. Born in Ohio, he is survived by wife Susan D.; sons James Michael and Brian Louis; daughters Melinda Sue and Jessica Marie; mother Rose; brothers William, John and Michael Sikorski; and sisters Mary Pohlmeyer, Loretta Rader and Sharon Worthan. Mass: 9:30 a.m. tomorrow at U.S. Naval Base Pearl Harbor Chapel. Call from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Burial: Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery. Aloha attire.

Robert Roberts, 75, of Honolulu died Monday in Kaiser Hospital. Born in Holden, Utah, he is survived by wife Johanna and son Craig. Scattering at a later date.

Seitoku “Stanley” Tokuda, 74, of Honolulu, a retired machine operator from Hawaii Stevedore Inc., died Sunday in Beverly Manor Convalescent Center. Born in Koloa, Kauai, he is survived by wife Chiyoko; sons Allan K. and Wallace K.; daughters Amy C. Nuibe and Jane S. Cortes; brothers Seisaburo and Seiji; sisters Ruth K. Allen, Yoshiko Tamanaha, Betsy Aiko Nakamoto and Agnes Y. Tsuchiyama; and seven grandchildren. Services: 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, makai chapel. Call after 3:30 p.m.

Melece H. Williamson, 72, of Honolulu, retired from the state of Mississippi attorney general’s office, died Jan. 23 in Kaiser Hospital. She was also owner and principal interior designer for Interior Visions. She is survived by daughters Faith W. Kaupu, Wanda Williamson; brother P.F. Hahn; sister Sara Hambrick; a granddaughter; and two grandsons. Memorial services: 1 p.m. Saturday at the Diamond Head entrance of Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park. Aloha attire.

Tsutomu “Tom” Yasutake, 86, of Lihue, a retired clerk with Grove Farm Sugar, died Sunday in Hale Omao Nursing Home. Born in Puhi, Kauai, he is survived by sisters-in-law Ann Yasutake and Nobue Y. Igarashi. Services: 4 p.m. Sunday at Lihue Hongwanji Mission. Call after 3:30 p.m. Casual attire.

Bennie C. Ventura,38, of Waikoloa, Hawaii, a food preparer for Mauna Lani Resort, died Jan. 20 in Queen’s Hospital. He was also a steward for the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Born in the Philippines, he is survived by wife Letty; son Jimmy; daughter Bennessa; parents Milanio and Gregoria; brothers Remy, Maximo, Milanio Jr. and Juanito; sisters Filomena Afaga and Arlene Cubangbang. Call from 2 to 4 p.m. tomorrow at Dodo Mortuary. Call again after 6 p.m. tomorrow at the family home in Waikoloa. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Hawi Catholic Church. Call after 9 a.m. Burial: Hawi County Cemetery. Casual attire.

Eleanor M. Weatherholtz,64, of Honolulu, an adult supervisor at Kalihikai Elementary School, died Jan. 25 in Queen’s Hospital. Born in Kohala, Hawaii, she is survived by sons Richard Cummings and Libert and Andrew Weatherholtz; daughter Donna; brother Herman; sisters Elizabeth Johnson, Miriam Ray and Margaret Couttie; and 11 grandchildren. Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Borthwick Mortuary. Call from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Scattering of ashes at a later date. Aloha attire.

Daisy L. Wong,83, of Honolulu, a retired receptionist with Medical Specialty Clinic, died Jan. 20 in Island Nursing Home. Born in Hilo, she is survived by son Donald, sister Rose Rho and two grandchildren. Private services.