Honolulu sculptor, artist
By Harold Morse
Eli R. Marozzi dies at 86
Star-BulletinEli R. Marozzi, 86, Honolulu sculptor and artist, died Aug. 31 in St. Francis Hospice.
Marozzi, also president of the Vedanta Society of Hawaii, which embraces Hindu philosophy, had works of art commissioned by the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the Tennent Art Foundation, St. Andrew's Cathedral and other entities.
He founded the Vedanta organization here and served as president from its inception. Friends say he led an exemplary life devoted to the study and teaching of Vedanta beliefs, attracting a loyal following of Vedanta devotees from Hawaii and elsewhere. Friends also say he left a legacy of exceptional spiritual devotion and artistic achievement.
His most prominent artworks include "The Cat (1970)," a concrete sculpture at Leeward Community College; "E Pluribus Unum (1982)," marble sculpture at Jefferson Elementary School; and "Kuikahi (1985)," terrazzo sculpture at Waianae High School.
"E Pluribus Unum," in Marozzi's words, symbolizes that "we are many, but we can attain oneness in harmony." That sculpture at Jefferson Elementary is a 7-foot, 3,000-pound work with intertwined faces and arms.
Marozzi was born in Motegallo, Italy. He grew up in Pennsylvania, performing U.S. military service from 1941 to 1943.
His education included a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 1949 and a master's from the University of Hawaii in 1952.
He taught sculpture, ceramics and art for many years at Richards Street and Kaneohe YWCAs.
Memorial services will be at 11:15 a.m. Sunday at Richards Street YWCA Chapel.
Juan "Johnny" Acoba, 64, of Eleele, Kauai, a retired senior accountant for Olokele/Gay & Robinson Inc., died Aug. 28 in Kapiolani Hospital at Pali Momi. He was born in Waimea, Kauai. He is survived by companion Marion Wold, daughters Tammy Kawamura and Brenda Visitacion, brother Joveto, sisters Violet Lennon and Delores Donellan, and four grandchildren. Memorial services: 5 p.m. tomorrow at West Kauai Hongwanji Mission, Waimea Temple, 4675 Menehune Road. Call after 4 p.m. Casual attire.
Ronald Akaka, also known as "Ronnie" or "Pulu," 60, of Mililani, a captain in the U.S. Air Force, died Aug. 25. He was born in Honolulu. He is survived by fiancee Mary Yap. Services: 7 p.m. Friday at Oahu Cemetery. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Inurnment: 11 a.m. Saturday at Hook Chu Cemetery. Aloha attire.
Benjamin S. Apuya, 69, of Honolulu, a retired E.E. Black construction carpenter, died Friday in Queen's Hospital. He was born in Aiea. He is survived by wife Lolita "Loling"; sons Benjamin Jr., Tony, Virgilio "Vic" and Roger; daughter Norma Santos; brother Joe, 12 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Services: 7 p.m. Friday at Nuuanu Mortuary. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Services: 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the mortuary. Call after 8:30 a.m. Burial: Valley of the Temples.
Rafaela P. Badua, 58, of Ewa Beach died Aug. 20 at home. She was born in Ilocos Norte, the Philippines. She is survived by husband Pedro, son William "Bill," daughter Katherine, sister Gracia, and a grandson. Private services.
Tiburcio R. Balicoco, 82, of Nanawale, Hawaii, a retired papaya farmer, died Aug. 7 in Hilo Hospital. He was born in Ilocos Norte, the Philippines. He is survived by wife Rosita; sons Pedro, Juanito, Nester and Castor; daughters Estefania Ganut, Corazon Hubag, Cathy Balicoco and Andrea Mascalas; brother Carlos; sister Juliana; 11 grandchildren in Hawaii; eight grandchildren in the Philippines; and five great-grandchildren. Call from 6:30 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday at the family residence in Pahoa. Enter Nanawale Estates and look for the house on the right, across from Duff Lane. Burial: 8 a.m. Saturday at Homelani Memorial Park. Casual attire.
Emily S. Bartels, 76, of Honolulu, a retired cashier for the Hale Koa Snack Shop, died Aug. 27. She was born in Pepeekeo, Hawaii. She is survived by brother Antone Soares Jr. and sister Annie Cabral. Private services.
Zora S. Blassic, 82, of Kula, Maui, a retired manager for Bank of Hawaii, Lahaina branch, died Saturday in Kula Hospital. She was born in Colorado. She is survived by caregiver and friend Gilbert Gonzales. Graveside services: 9 a.m. tomorrow at Maui Memorial Park. Casual attire.
Helen A. Davis, 100, of Mililani died Thursday. She was born in Patterson, N.J. She is survived by three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Memorial mass: 10 a.m. Friday at St. John Apostle & Evangelist Church. Casual attire. No flowers.
Stevens K. Fernandez, 61, of Honolulu, a crafts maker with Lanakila Crafts, died Aug. 28 at home. He was born in Honolulu. He is survived by wife Harvilee Pratt; sons Stevens Jr., Patrick, Jessie, James and Shane; hanai son Jerry; daughters Jessica, Shavonne and Shayna; brothers John Fernandez and Buster Kauahikaua; sisters Carol Mae Hilacion, Alice M. Kepano, Diane Ii and Barbara Costa; and 14 grandchildren. Services: 7 p.m. tomorrow at Borthwick Mortuary. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Cremation to follow. Aloha attire. No flowers.
Masuto Fujii, 85, of Aiea, a retired real estate broker, died Aug. 28 in Kapiolani Hospital at Pali Momi. He was born in Kawailoa, Hawaii. He is survived by wife Caroline, sons Bill Cataldo and Sanford Fujii, daughters Michelle Fujii and Patricia Cataldo, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Private services.
William J. Hughes, also known as Billy Hughes, 87, of Honolulu, a retired Hawaiian Dredging & Construction diver, will be remembered in wake services 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at Diamond Head Mortuary. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Mass: 11:30 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick's Church. Call after 10 a.m. Burial: Diamond Head Memorial Park. Additional information for an obituary published Saturday.
Hahn Soo Kim, 41, of Honolulu, a taxicab driver for SIDA Taxi Co., will be remembered in services 11:30 a.m. Friday at Nuuanu Memorial Park Mortuary. Call after 10:30 a.m. Cremation to follow. He died Thursday in Kailua. He was born in Seoul. He is survived by wife Mi Kum, children Shannon and Toby, father Yoo Jin, brothers Nam Soo and Young Soo, and sisters Hye Kyung and Mee Kyung.
Mark E. Kolb, 81, of Mililani, a retired pipefitter for Standard Oil of Indiana, died Saturday in Aloha Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. He was born in East Chicago, Ind. He is survived by sons Timothy and Mark Jr., daughter Sister Susan, and two grandchildren. Mass: 5 p.m. tomorrow at St. John Apostle & Evangelist Church. Call after 4:15 p.m. Cremation to follow. Casual attire. No flowers.
Peter K. Kuloloia Jr., 64, of Waimanalo, a retired mason, died last Wednesday. He was born in Wailuku. He is survived by wife Wilhelmina; sons Samuel, Mitchell, Jason and Anthony Kuloloia and Daven Roy M-Kuloloia; daughters Willow Ann Manubag and Kealani Riturban; brother Peter Kekona; sisters Evalani Johnson and Leiana and Margaret Kuloloia; 16 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Mass: 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. George Church in Waimanalo. Call after 8:30 a.m. Cremation to follow. Casual attire.
Shizuka "Sue" Maebo, 77, of Hilo died Thursday in Hilo Hospital. She is survived by husband Masato; son Randall; daughters Kathleen Ching, Florence Wright and Evelyn Park; brother Masami Yamamoto; sisters Chiyoko Nishimura, Misako Tsuchida, Janet Taguchi, Amy Ching and Marlene Sasaki; and five grandchildren. Private services.
Larry Y. Nakamura, 83, of Honolulu, a retired bus driver for MTL Bus Co., died last Wednesday in Queen's Hospital. He was born in Honolulu. He is survived by wife Yoshiko N., sister Katsuko Tsuji, and brother Willie. Program: 11 a.m. Friday at Mililani Downtown Mortuary. Call after 10 a.m. Burial: Mililani Memorial Park. No flowers.
Alice M. Nitta, 82, of Aiea, a retired owner of Charm School of Fashion in Waipahu, died last Wednesday in Maunalani Nursing Center. She was born in Kamalo, Molokai. She is survived by sons Patrick Y.P. and Gregory H., brother Naomichi Makihara, sister Mary Kosaka, and three grandchildren. Services: noon Saturday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Aloha attire. No flowers.
Masako Ogi, 84, of Hilo, co-proprietress of the former Ogi Noodle Shop, died Friday in Hilo Hospital. She was born in Hilo. She is survived by brothers Kazuo, Robert and Howard, and sisters Evelyn Okayama, Peggy Kohara and Janet Mikami. Services: 5 p.m. tomorrow at Dodo Mortuary. Call after 4 p.m. Cremation to follow. Casual attire. No flowers.
William N. Pukahi, 70, of Haleiwa, a former heavy equipment operator from Kahuku Sugar Plantation, died Aug. 30. He was born in Laie. He is survived by son William Jr.; daughters Gail, Beverly, Joycelyn and Alberta Pukahi, Wilma Tabuya and Clarice Moranha; brothers Ruben and Harold; sisters Alberta Graycochea, Mary Oberle, Maria Kaio and Genevieve Pili; and grandchildren. Services: 10 a.m. Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Laie First Ward. Call from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Burial: Laie Cemetery. Aloha attire.
Pedro A. Sagucio, 86, of Kaumakani, Kauai, an irrigator for Olokele Sugar, died Friday in Kauai Veterans Hospital. He was born in the Philippines. He is survived by wife Catalina C.; sons Inocencio, Nemesio and Alfonso; brothers Luis, Paulo and Manuel; 12 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Borthwick/Kauai Mortuary. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at St. John's Episcopal Church in Hanapepe. Call after 8 a.m. Burial: Filipino Cemetery. Casual attire.
George H. Suratt, 75, of Haleiwa and formerly of Memphis, Tenn., a boat builder from Haleiwa, died Friday in Center for Aging. He was born in Memphis, Tenn. He also served in the U.S. Air Force and was a prisoner of war. He was honorably discharged and moved to Hawaii. He is survived by wife Elizabeth L.; sons Leroy "Butchie" and Lloyd "Buddy" Sheppard and Brian Suratt; daughters Karen Sheppard White, Brenda Sheppard Dalessio and Betty Suratt; 17 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. Memorial services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Point Beach Park. Call after 10 a.m. Scattering of ashes to follow. Casual attire.
Birgit L. Swanson, 64, of Kihei, front office manager of Kihei Kai-Nani Condominium, died Sunday in Maui Memorial Hospital. She was born in Lulea, Sweden. She is survived by husband Donald E. "Swanie," daughters Deborah and Linda, and sister Ulla Danielsson. Memorial services and scattering of ashes: 7:30 a.m. tomorrow at Kamaole II, North End. Aloha attire. Leis only. Donations suggested to the Maui Humane Society.
Charles D. Teixeira, 71, of Honolulu is survived by sister Pearl Anduha. Incorrect information for an obituary published Monday.
William E. Templeman, 69, of Hawaii, ship's officer and pilot aboard the USS Hornet during the Vietnam War, died Aug. 11 at home. He was awarded a Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars and National Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Star. He also specialized in computer peripheral diagnostics working with August Enterprises. He was born in Sacramento, Calif. He is survived by wife Virginia, son Jeff Buchanan, and stepson Richard Sieburg. Services: noon Saturday at Waikiki Yacht Club.
Everett "Bud" Thuener Jr., 74, of Waikoloa, Hawaii, founder of Thuener Generators, died Thursday in North Hawaii Community Hospital. He was also a retired cameraman for CBS. He was born in Schenectady, N.Y. He is survived by wife Mary Anne; son Walter; daughters Jacqueline, Kathleen and Kimberly; stepson David Gale; stepdaughter Maile Stenger; brother Daniel; 13 grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Memorial services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Dodo Mortuary. Call after 10 a.m. No flowers.
Dionicio V. "Icio" Torda, 93, of Waipahu, who retired from Haitsuka Brothers Co., died Aug. 20 in Waipahu. He was born in Ilocos Sur, the Philippines. He is survived by wife Colletta B.; sons Leo, Orlino "Lando," Efren and Fred; daughters Willee Langan and Annie Torda; brother Conrado; sister Valeriana; 20 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Wake services: 7 p.m. Friday at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, mauka chapel. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Mass: 9:45 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Church. Call after 8:30 a.m. Burial: Sunset Memorial Park. Casual attire.
Kazuyuki "Slim" Yoshimura, 71, of Mililani, a retired lead mechanic from Japan Airlines, died Thursday at home. He was born in Hilo. He is survived by wife Dorothy H.; son Dennis; daughters Linda Rodmeyer and Michelle Yoshimura; stepdaughter Pamela Shigematsu; brothers Ken, Elbert and Harold; sister Ellen Sunouchi; and eight grandchildren. Private services.
You can also search the Hawaii State Library System's
Hawaii Newspaper Index online for older obituaries at:
http://www.hcc.hawaii.edu/education/hcc/library/hiindex.html
The index, which goes back several decades,
is available via Telnet software.
