Obituaries: December 22, 2021

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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. Any questions regarding obituaries should be directed to the mortuary or via email to obituaries@westhawaiitoday.com. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.

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Warren Leorin

Warren Cornell Leorin, 45, of Kailua-Kona, died Dec. 3, 2021 at Kona Community Hospital. Born May 24, 1976, in Ka’u, he was a heavy equipment operator for Hawaiian Earth Products and a groundskeeper for Nanea Golf Course.

Friends may call viewing from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 22 at Dodo Mortuary chapel in Hilo. The family requests casual attire.

He is survived by son, Kaulana Kamanawa of Kailua-Kona; father, Salvador Leorin of Naalehu; sister, Tia (John Ceron) Leorin of Dixon, California; brother, Chad (Elizabeth) Leorin of Jacksonville, Florida; and numerous hanai children, hanai grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

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Dean Otani

Dean Genshi Otani, 65, of Hilo, died Dec. 5, 2021 at Hawaii Care Choices. Born in Hilo, he was formerly employed at Farmers Exchange, Sunida’s, Pacific Air, HPA as security, was a school custodian, and he operated a pawn shop.

Private services were held. The family requests koden (monetary offerings) be omitted.

He is survived by his companion, Merle Kukona; father, George (Lei) Otani; sister, Lori (Sam) Martin; brother, Chris Otani; and nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles, and cousins.

Arrangements by Homelani Cremation Services.

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Charlotte Spencer-Nakoa

Charlotte Pualani Spencer-Nakoa, 64, of Hilo, died Dec. 13, 2021 at Hilo Medical Center. She was a retired bus driver for Laupahoehoe Transportation, and worked for Autoshine of Hawaii.

No services.

She is survived by brother, Thomas (John) Nicholas; sisters, Hannah (Christino) Caravalho, Harriet (Harvey) Arima, Vanessa Spalding, and Claudia (Donald) Skinner; and numerous aunts, and cousins.

Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.

Dennis Acoba

Dennis “Acro” Simon Acoba, 71, of Kailua-Kona, died Oct. 10, 2021 at Kaiser Moanalua Hospital. Born June 28, 1950, in Pepeekeo, he was a diesel mechanic for Bacon Universal and E.M. Rivera, co-owner of J.A.D. Equipment Repair and a U.S. Army veteran.

Services held.

He is survived by wife, Lily Acoba; daughter, Tangee (Jonny) Acoba-Varron, all of Kailua-Kona; hanai son, Peter Queja of El Cajon, California; brothers, George (Esther) Acoba of Gardena, California, and David (Dean Lee) Acoba of Oahu; sisters, Linda (Jim) Gore of San Diego, and Patricia Arrojo of Papaikou; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.