Obituaries: April 24, 2022

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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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Richard Nelson III

Richard Nelson, III, 88, of Kawanui, died Feb. 27, 2022, at his residence. Born Dec. 11, 1933 in Honolulu, he dedicated his life as a full-time minister and working with the rights of native Hawaiians.

Services to be announced at a later date.

He is survived by children, Debbie Baxter of Kawanui, Kaimookalani Muhlstein of Honolulu, Napela (Westly) Menor of Kawanui and Nakoa (Leilani) Nelson of Kailua-Kona; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Cremation Services of West Hawaii.

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Gary Labrador

Gary “Laba” Dale Labrador, 65, of Kailua-Kona, died April 6, 2022, on Oahu. He was born in Honokaa.

Friends may call at 9 a.m. April 30 at Honokaa Hongwanji Mission; memorial service at 10. Casual attire.

He is survived by companion, Lauralee Niihau of Kailua-Kona; siblings, Ellen (Harold) Matsumoto of Hilo, Daryl Phillips of Washington, Leora (Jeffry) McMillan of Arkansas, Robin (Dennis) Hara of Hilo; sister-in-law, Diane Labrador of Honokaa; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

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Thelma Swope

Thelma Kaliko Swope, 83, of Keaau and formerly of Nanakuli, Oahu, died Jan. 18, 2022, at her residence. Born in Pearl City, Oahu, she was a homemaker.

Private services.

She is survived by children, Arthur Swope of Hilo, Yvette (Robin) Swope-Fernandez of Keaau, Robert (Kathy) Swope of Nanakuli, Herbert Swope of Nanakuli, and Yvonne Swope of Washington; 19 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

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Charlotte Keliihoomalu-Alapa’i

Charlotte “Cookie” Kaho’oholo Keliihoomalu-Alapa’i, 76, of Kalapana passed away on Mar. 19 at the Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center. Born in Honolulu, she worked for the Department of Education Hawaiian Studies Kupuna Program at various Hawaii island schools. Private services will take place at a later date. Survived by caretaker and niece, Shirley K. (Leslie) Doctor of Pahoa; grandsons, Jerome Licoan-Kalani, Jr. of Hilo, Kalaemakani Licoan-Kalani of Hilo; sister-in-law, Lana Keliihoomalu of Waimanalo; numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

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Phillip Barro

Phillip “Phil” Barro, 89, of Waimea, and formerly of Naalehu, died April 5, 2022, at his residence. Born in Pahala, he was a retired equipment maintenance worker with the former Ka’u Agribusiness, member of the Naalehu Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Naalehu Senior Citizen Center, and a U.S. Army veteran.

Friends may call at 9 a.m. April 30 at Naalehu Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the Naalehu Community Cemetery. Casual attire.

He is urvived by son, Anthony Barro of Waiohinu; daughters, Debbie Gacayan of Henderson, Nevada, and Liane (Willy) Barro-Kilmede of Waimea; sister, Carmen (Moses) Pestano of Oahu; brother, John (Barb) Sentino of Washington; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

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Briginia Tagalicud

Briginia Agno Tagalicud, 92, of Hilo, died March 28, 2022 at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born Sept. 21, 1929 in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, she was a papaya farmer, former papaya picker for Diamond Head Papaya Company, and former nut picker for Island Princess.

Friends may call at 9:30 a.m. April 29 at Pahoa Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Mass at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at Homelani Memorial Park, Ilima Section. Casual attire.

She is survived by, daughters-in-law, Premia Tagalicud of Keaau and Faye Tagalicod of Pahoa; sister-in-law, Florida Tagalicud of Honolulu; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.