Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. Content is subject to editing for parity treatment and style continuity. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Sylvester Paalua Jr.
Sylvester “Sonny” Haiha Paalua Jr., 89, of Kawaihae, died Feb. 5, 2020 at his residence. Born April 26, 1930, in Puuanahulu, he was a retired Pohakuloa Training Area heavy equipment operator; a member of the American Legion, Kohala National Guard Alumni, Kohala Senior Citizen, Na Kupuna O Kohala, Moku O Keawe, Na Kalai Wa`a Makalii Kupuna and veteran of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Div. and Army National Guard.
Friends may call at 8 a.m. March 7 at Kalahikiola Congregational Church in Kapaau for a 10 a.m. service. Luncheon to follow. Casual attire. Friends may also call 2-7 p.m. at Kailapa Kawaihae Hawaiian Homes Community Center for a service.
He is survived by daughters, Nalani Okubo of Kawaihae, Colleen (Scott) Henne and Elsie (Eric) Dela Cruz of Kohala, Jan Paalua and Miulan Paalua of Kawaihae; son, Ryder (Darcy) Paalua of Kailua-Kona; sisters, Ann Mills, Helen Sing and Rose Coit of Kohala; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Jerry Kamakea
Jerry Kaleonani Sumiyoshi Kamakea, 62, of Pahoa died Feb. 13, 2020, at Hawaii Care Choices Pohai Malama Care Center. Born in Hilo, he was a member of New Hope Puna.
Friends may call 9-10 a.m. March 7 at New Hope Puna in Pahoa for a 10 a.m. service. Casual attire; no flowers.
He is survived by companion, Karlene Varize of Pahoa; daughters, Cheyenne (Jasmin) Carter of Las Vegas and Chasity (James) Montifalcon of Pahoa; four grandchildren; numerous step-children; step-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Benjamin Boyer
Benjamin Franklin Boyer, 74, of Keaau, died Feb. 15, 2020 at home. Born June 10, 1945 in Colorado, he was a logger and member of VFW and NRA.
Friends may call at 8 a.m. March 6 at Hilo Veterans Cemetery II for a service.
He is survived by wife, Debra Boyer of Keaau; son, Troy Boyer of WA; daughter, Julie Boyer of WA; six grandchildren; one great-grandchildren; numerous cousins.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Fred Camero Sr.
Fred Guillermo Camero Sr., 92, of Kapaau died Feb. 21, 2020, at Anoano Care home. Born Jan. 6, 1928 in the Philippines, he was a pineapple picker for Dole on Lanai, musician, and was recognized as 2003 Parent of the Year along with his wife, Rosita, by the State Philippine Cultural Foundation.
Friends may call 4-6 p.m. March 8 at Lanai ILWU Hall for a service. Friends may also call at 8:30 a.m. March 9 at Lanai Sacred Hearts Church for Mass.
He is survived by wife, Rosita Magaoay Camero; children, Philip Vance Camero, Joan Camero Parris, Carmela Magaoay Camero, Fred Guillermo Camero Jr., Amalia ArcieRose Camero Kettering, and Cameron Patrick Camero; and 14 grandchildren.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
John Reece
John Michael “Mick” Reece, 70, of Kona and Seal Beach, Calif., died Feb. 16, 2020, at his residence. Born July 10, 1949, in Bakersfield, Calif., he was an Army veteran, contractor, and owner of Reece Tile &Marble.
Services held in California. Service at West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery to be held at a later date
He is survived by wife, Anne Reece; daughters, Aimee Soto and Sarah (Brandon) Critchfield, all of Oceanside, Calif.; brothers, Kim (Kanoe) Reece of Oahu, and Steve (Kimmie) Reece of Huntington Beach, Calif.; sister, Rebecca Cardoza of Bellflower, Calif.; two grandsons; numerous nieces and nephews.
Iwao Nakamura
Iwao Nakamura, 87, of Hilo, died Jan. 26, 2020, at Hilo Medical Center. Born April 27, 1932, in Hilo, he retired as a welder from the State of California Department of Transportation and was a U.S. Army veteran.
Private services held. No flowers. No koden (monetary offerings).
He is survived by brothers, Shinichi Nakamura of Honolulu and Roy (Jane) Nakamura of Honolulu; sisters, Harumi Nakagawa of Hilo, Tsugiko Miyake of Kapaa, Kauai and Violet (Edwin) Masuoka of Honolulu; numerous nephews and nieces.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.