Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. The content is subject to editing to ensure parity treatment and style continuity.
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John Swatek
John Matthew Swatek, 57, of Hilo died Aug. 29, 2015, at Hospice of Hilo Pohai Malama Facility. Born in Goldsborough, S.C., he was an electrical engineer.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 6 at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Campus Center Room 301, for a memorial gathering. Family requests casual attire be worn and no flowers.
He is survived by stepdaughter, Lynda (Ronald) Estacio of San Diego; brothers, Robert (Vianna) Swatek of Kansas, Michael Swatek of Mississippi; sister, Karen Swatek of Tennessee; nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Albert DeMotta Sr.
Albert John DeMotta Sr., 81, of Pepeekeo died Aug. 27, 2015, at home. Born April 28, 1934, in Hilo, he was retired from the former Hilo Coast Processing Co., Johnson Island and Ishimoto Construction Co. and was a member of the Hawaii Army National Guard, Senior Baseball Team.
Friends may call at 6 p.m. Sept. 5 at Dodo Mortuary chapel for a 7 p.m. service.
He is survived by wife, Mary Rios Demotta of Pepeekeo; sons, Nelson DeMotta of Hilo, Tommy Anduha of Paradise Park, Sheldon DeMotta of Pepeekeo; daughters, Lena (Wade) Carver and Shaylyn DeMotta, both of California, Eileen (Elroy) Rodrigues of Hilo, Terry (Kelsey) Valenciano of Texas, Stacie Anduha of Kona; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Michael Lofgren
Michael William Lofgren, 57, of Ocean View died Aug. 21, 2015, in Kealakekua. Born March 5, 1958, in Palmer, Alaska, he worked as a commercial truck driver.
Private services will be held at a later time in Alaska.
He is survived by wife, Velda Lofgren; daughters, Angie Aseltine of Soldotna, Alaska, Kim (Jerry) Massman of Wasilla, Alaska; brother, Charles (Jody) Lofgren of Wasilla, Alaska; sisters, Pam Combs of Wasilla, Alaska, Linda (Charles) Bowers of Anchorage, Alaska; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Suzanne Faulkner
Suzanne “Suzy” Roberta Faulkner, 63, of Hilo died Aug. 12, 2015, at Hilo Medical Center. Born July 13, 1952, in Pasadena, Calif., she was retired from teaching at the business school of Hawaii Community College at Hilo.
Private services are pending.
She is survived by sisters, Verenna Faulkner, Bonnie Faulkner; one niece; one great-niece and one great-nephew.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Ethel Kobata
Ethel Masae Kobata, 99, of Hilo died Aug. 12, 2015, at the Life Care Center of Hilo. Born Oct. 14, 1915, in Honolulu, she was the former manager of American Bakery and the retired owner of Al’s Korner Okazuya and member of the Konko Mission in Hilo.
Private services were held. Family requests no monetary gifts. Condolences may be posted at homelanimemorialpark.com.
She is survived by daughter, Sharyn (Jerry) Hirata of Hilo; two grandchildren; one great-grandson; numerous nieces and nephews.