Maui Obituaries for the week ending Dec. 4, 2022. May they rest in peace.
Buddy Fox
July 8, 1931 – September 24, 2022
Buddy Fox, whose given name was Norman George Fox, passed away in Maui, Hawaiʻi on Sept. 24, 2022 on the age of 91.
During a novel nearly 45-year journey in what he called Musicland, Buddy Fox was a club and concert producer and promotor, talent booker, artist manager, and journalist, mostly in Latest York City. He was semi-retired on the island of Maui, for the last 17 years of his impactful life. His loss is deeply felt by his life partner of nearly 12 years, his loving family, and lots of, many friends.
The memorial service for Buddy Fox on Dec. 11, 2022 will likely be each in-person on Maui, and available via Zoom.
The service will begin at noon in Hawaiʻi, which is at 2 p.m. in California and 5 p.m. in Latest York. To request the Zoom link or learn of future ways in which Buddy Fox will likely be honored, please send an email to [email protected]
Buddy Fox was born on July 8, 1931 in Brooklyn, Latest York to John “Jack” Fox and Dorothy Brown Lissner Fox. He’s survived by his loving partner Anne Marie Sternbach, his sister, Phoebe Biscow Brown, his son Quentin Fox and wife Lisa, his daughter Alix Fox Cutrone and husband John, and his 4 grandsons, Jackson, Ryan, Zeke, and Oliver.
Buddy studied political science and economics at Leicester College Division of Clark University, where he made the dean’s list. After 2 1/2 years there, he enlisted in the military, rising to the rank of tech sergeant in the course of the Korean War. Due to his intelligence and analytical ability, Buddy Fox was assigned to the NSA.
Buddy was a music man. After being stationed in Texas after which working within the garment industry out of Dallas in his twenties, he returned to Latest York City in 1962 and commenced a protracted profession on the Manhattan nightclub circuit.
Buddy’s work at The Limelight and a live music discotheque in Latest York’s Greenwich Village led to him becoming resident manager of the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. There, he placed on Procol Harum’s first show, Janis Joplin’s first Chicago show, and Chicago’s first show. The numerous subsequent firsts at other venues are too quite a few to detail here.
Returning to Manhattan in 1968, Buddy took a waiter-bartender job at The Ninth Circle, eventually becoming general manager. He was then invited to be a part of the creation of Reno Sweeney in Greenwich Village. Buddy continuously said that managing this cabaret was his biggest skilled achievement. He was happy with the atmosphere that he created, the acts that he booked, the showcases that helped develop recent talent, and the clientele that he attracted.
The very special time at Reno Sweeney was followed by two years managing Ones, a Tribeca bar and discotheque. When it was time to maneuver on, Buddy took one other bartender job, on the recently-opened Lone Star Cafe — a Country-Western nightclub on the corner of fifth Avenue and thirteenth Street. Six weeks later, he was general manager and talent coordinator.
Intuitively realizing that a Latest York City club wouldn’t survive playing Country bands every night, Buddy added Retro, Blues, R&B, and “anything that fell throughout the realm of Honky Tonk” into the combination. Recognizing a correlation between the 2 genres, he initially focused on booking Blues acts along with Country. Buddy said he had an awesome ride on the Lone Star for 11 1/2 years. He left the Lone Star a while after the unique location closed and it reopened because the Lonestar Roadhouse in midtown Manhattan.
After a 12 months or so performing some consulting work, Buddy became the overall manager and talent booker at Manny’s Automobile Wash, a recent blues club on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Buddy and Manny’s enjoyed an awesome ten-year run. Manny’s Automobile Wash was twice voted Best Blues Club in America and once Best Nightclub in Latest York by the Latest York Nightlife Association.
Buddy was also the MC for NYC’s Blues Cruises and several other blues festivals. He served on the Board of Directors of the Blues Foundation and the Ziegfeld Alumni Association (which his mother founded in 1935). Proudly, in 2014, he was inducted into the Latest York Blues Hall of Fame. Buddy received awards from many organizations throughout his life for his community service and his impact on the music world.
An example of Buddy’s great generosity was donation of his wealth of music memorabilia, including beneficial signed albums, for advantages that he organized for musicians in need and other causes, akin to natural disaster relief.
Buddy loved his work and poured his heart and soul into it. A fantastic friend to musicians and music lovers alike, he was generally known as someone who supported and valued what musicians do. Buddy Fox had a knack for not only finding talented musicians and bringing them together, but additionally for developing meaningful relationships with artists and their representatives across several musical genres.
Buddy continuously said that the business of managing clubs had been one not only of detail, but of infinite detail. Whether planning menu items akin to a watercress and mandarin orange salad, ensuring all lighting fixtures were functioning, doing on-the-fly PA system adjustments, fulfilling performers’ requests, or expertly tending bar in a pinch, Buddy was keeping close tabs on what was happening in every corner of a venue.
During semi-retirement on the island of Maui, in Hawaiʻi, Buddy brought his managerial skills, attention to detail, and welcoming presence to caring for a really beautiful vacation property owned by his oldest and best friend. He lived happily in a beautiful cottage on the property starting in 2005. He invited Anne Marie to affix him there in 2010, and so they remained devoted partners.
Buddy’s love of each live and filmed entertainment began in childhood. His mother, who had been a Ziegfeld Follies Girl before his birth, maintained contacts on Broadway, and took him to many shows. Young Buddy was enthralled when Carmen Miranda stroked his chin. Buddy spent many boyhood Saturday afternoons at movie matinees. These experiences were the beginning of his lifelong interest in — and a big store of collected knowledge about — many elements of theater, film, and TV. He had a tremendous retention of plots and casting and will often recognize actors by their voices many years after last hearing them.
Buddy attended a mess of shows and concert events as well as to people who he produced, promoted, and MCed. Having enjoyed straight plays and musicals all his life, he packed in as many Latest York shows as possible before heading to Hawaii. On Maui, Buddy continued having fun with music and theater events in each intimate and bigger venues.
A fantastic cook, Buddy enjoyed sharing meals of his own creation and people served at quite a lot of eateries. From a taco stand to a lūʻau or an upscale oceanside restaurant, Buddy relished dining out on Maui as he had in Manhattan. Many keep in mind that Buddy loved a great martini (barely dirty). Lately he cut down, having a martini or other liquor only very rarely. Martinelli’s sparkling cider became his most frequently-imbibed celebratory toast.
Buddy read voraciously… fiction and nonfiction books, the Latest York Times, Latest York-related magazines, and more. When printed material became difficult to read, he continued online… Latest York Times and native news, searches on a big selection of topics, Wikipedia articles, and Facebook posts. Buddy discovered additional online information sources for a project near his heart: compiling an intensive list of Jews in public life who had modified their names… entertainers, artists in lots of fields, writers, sports figures, and more.
Buddy had great strength and stamina and enjoyed physical activity, having played handball, basketball, football, and tennis in former years. Through his mid-70s, while still maintaining a heavy work schedule, Buddy power-walked Manhattan streets and continuously went dancing. On Maui, Buddy walked the various terrain of the property he managed and exercised within the pool in addition to within the cottage he lived in. Through much of his eighties, he continued involvement in physical elements of property management, including watering most of the tropical plants that he loved.
Buddy was an avid and really knowledgeable football devotee, and a loyal fan of the Texas A&M University team and the Latest York Jets. His spot-on analyses would often precede those of the TV announcers. If asked what team he favored when the Aggies or the Jets weren’t playing he often said that he just desired to see a great game. When there was no football to look at, Buddy often turned to golf, and sometimes tennis or horse or auto races.
Buddy Fox was a real legend. He was a tremendous man who had the power to captivate you together with his great stories of the wonderful opportunities and experiences he lived. Buddy was appreciated for his sharp mind, phenomenal memory, unique and sometimes whimsical perspective, and dry humorousness.
Buddy loved his family and lots of friends dearly and expressed how grateful he was to have all of them in his life.
Immediately upon learning of his passing, beloved friends within the Latest York music world organized a blues jam in celebration of Buddy’s life. This and an outpouring of tributes are testaments to the very positive role Buddy played within the careers of many musicians and others within the music business. Many friends in other fields have similar stories of their love and admiration for Buddy and his welcome influence of their lives.
Buddy Fox is remembered with abundant love and could have a long-lasting impact on all who knew him.
Elliott Kehano
October 15, 1964 – October 20, 2022
Macrina Tacdol
January 14, 1940 – October 23, 2022
Macrina R. A. Tacdol , 82 of Wailuku, Maui passed away peacefully on Oct. 23, 2022. She was born in Baccara, Ilocos Norte Philippines on Jan. 14, 1940, and retired as an RN at Hale Makua Wailuku in 1998. She is survived by her daughter Stacey Lee Tacdol Barayuga, together with grandchildren Kayla- Jane Jones (Dylan), Kristen, Kelly and Kami and one great grandson Ethan Tacdol Jones.
Our family would really like to increase a heartfelt mahalo to all of the caregivers, survived by her step mother Laurena Aceret and step sister Nora (Benny) DeGuzman, niece Charissa and nephew Cheston DeGuzman.
Macrina is predeceased by her loving husband Fernando Tacdol and her brother Demetrio (Veronica) Aceret. Her parents Vicente and Maria Aceret.
She will likely be remembered for her smile, her kind and carefree heart. She enjoyed being around family and friends . Macrina lives in our hearts and memories perpetually.
Public viewing for family and friends will likely be held on Thursday, Dec. 1 at Norman’s Family Mortuary, with 6 p.m. public viewing, and a 7 p.m. service. Her funeral Mass will likely be celebrated on Friday, Dec. 2 at St. Ann church, with a 9 a.m. public viewing, Mass at 10:30 a.m. followed by burial at 1 p.m. at Makawao Veteran’s Cemetery.
Sarah Villanueva
April 1, 1957 – October 31, 2022
Sarah Ku‘uipo Villanueva, 65, of Maui, passed away on Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. Sarah was born on April 1, 1957, to Arnold and Cynthia Allencastre.
In 1981, Sarah moved along with her family from Maui to Eugene, Oregon. She was very energetic in her sons’ school and athletic activities. She was a part of the booster clubs, donating a variety of her time raising funds for the assorted sport teams. In 2009 Sarah returned home to Maui.
Sarah leaves behind two sons, Elton and Gary Villanueva, and three grandchildren, Kayla K Villanueva, Kai K Villanueva and Kanaloa K Villanueva.
The family will likely be having a potluck celebration of life on the 4th Marine Division Memorial Park on Dec. 4 starting at 12 p.m.
Online condolences may be made at: www.NormansMortuary.com
Rogelio Dela Cruz
April 5, 1940 – October 31, 2022
Rogelio Vinoray Dela Cruz, 82 passed away in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi on Oct. 31, 2022. He was born within the Philippines on April 5, 1940.
He’s predeceased by his parents; Clemente and Maria Dela Cruz and his wife Rufina Sagario Dela Cruz, his siblings; Delphin Dela Cruz and Trining Dela Cruz.
He’s survived by his daughter; Rosie Sagario Santos (Rick), Son; Roland Dela Cruz, his siblings; Myriam (Arnold) Mamis, Samson (Elma) Dela Cruz, Eden (Alfred) Cabeza, Edwin (Lenny) Dela Cruz, Jessie (Lilia) Dela Cruz, and two grandchildren; Miyka Santos and Kolten Santos.
Funeral Services will likely be held at Norman’s Mortuary on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. Visitation will likely be from 5-9 p.m. Service starts at 7 p.m. Second Day will likely be on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, with visitation from 11th of September:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Maui Memorial Park at 12:30 p.m.
Bryan Gorkoski
December 16, 1955 – November 12, 2022
Bryan David Gorkoski, 66, peacefully passed from this life at home under the care of Hospice Maui and comforted by family on Nov. 12, 2022, in Makawao, Hawaiʻi resulting from chronic health conditions attributable to strokes and cancer.
He’s survived by his daughter, Amy Greenwood (Matt), of Whitman, Massachusetts; his son, John Gorkoski (Cendi), of Makawao, Hawaiʻi; his granddaughter, Ava Gentile, of Whitman, Massachusetts; his mother, Jo Anne Gorkoski, of Brunswick, Ohio; his sister, Susie White (Preston) of Lakewood, Ohio. Bryan is preceded in death by his brother, Kevin Gorkoski, and sister-in-law, Ann Gorkoski, of Strongsville, Ohio.
Bryan was born on Dec. 16, 1955 in Parma, Ohio, and was the center of three children to folks Chester Gorkoski and Jo Anne Gorkoski. He graduated from Padua Franciscan High School in 1974 where he was a standout member of the wrestling team going undefeated his senior 12 months and winning the Crown Conference in his weight class. Bryan was an all-around athlete, lettering in wrestling and football and was also a guard on the local ice skating rink.
Bryan began his profession shortly after highschool at Ford Motor Company where he worked for over 30 years and eventually retired. He initially worked within the foundry, followed by the engine plant, then later was accepted into the expert trades tinsmith apprenticeship program where he eventually became a journeyman in his trade.
Bryan was a loving son, father, and grandfather. He loved golfing, fishing, camping and talking politics. Bryan’s family and friends will at all times remember him as a pleased one who loved to inform jokes, at all times looked on the brighter side of things, and enjoyed the easy things life had to supply. He will likely be greatly missed by his family and friends, but never forgotten.
A memorial service is being planned within the Cleveland area for the primary week in April when members of the family are protected to travel to Ohio. All are welcome to attend and rejoice Bryan’s life. Should you would really like more information, please contact Amy Greenwood at [email protected]
Condolences may be made at www.normansmortuary.com.
Robert Kutz
December 21, 1950 – November 13, 2022
Robert Michael Kutz, 71, passed away on Nov. 13, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. “Bob,” “Fat Bob,” or “Bula Bob,” as he was also known worldwide, was born in Eugene, Oregon on Dec. 21, 1950 to Albert Kutz and Betty Jean Harp. He graduated from North Eugene High School in Eugene, Oregon. Bob was a US Army veteran. He would later go on to work for the US Postal Service as a letter carrier, and later obtained his Associates Degree in computer science.
Bob’s love for motorcycles and dirt bikes highlighted his life from his teens through his final days. He was a part of the Honda Racing Team within the 70s. He would later enjoy touring the mainland with friends every summer on his Harley Davidson.
Bob had an awesome humorousness and loved telling jokes and playing pranks. He loved animals and children. And all animals and children loved Uncle Bob! For the past twenty years, Fiji was a second home for Bob.
Bob is survived by his wife, Reinette, and two sons, Trevor Walter and Devin (Summers) Walter. He can also be survived by three grandchildren, Adalyn Mahealani Walter, Matthias Kainoa Walter and Paisley Pistol Annie Walter. He can also be survived by his sister, Susan Abbott.
A celebration of life will likely be held on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022 at Kēōkea Park pavilion from 12 to three p.m.
The family would really like to thank his many doctors and most especially the awesome and caring staff at Hospice Maui.
Mary Ann Izon
October 19, 1937 – November 14, 2022
Mary Ann Izon, 85, passed away on Nov. 14, 2022 at her home in Kīhei.
She was predeceased by her Mother and Father Clarence and Evelyn Johnson of Moscow Idaho. She is survived by her husband Elberto Izon, her son Roderick Izon. In addition to her brothers Erv, Dave and Brian Johnson, and sisters Mona Dewey, Cindy McShane, and Sharon Johnson.
She was born Oct. 19, 1937 in Moscow, Idaho. She graduated from University of Idaho with a Business teaching degree. Eventually moved to Maui in 1967 where she accepted a teaching position at Henry Perrine Baldwin High School, where she worked for greater than 30 years.
She was an awesome family woman in addition to a loving mother who was deeply involved along with her local church. She enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, reading, and sewing. Her family and friends will remember her as a fun loving and type person.
Thanks to Trinity Church by the Sea and Valley Isle Caregivers for his or her wonderful and loving look after my mom.
She will likely be cremated and her service will likely be held at Trinity Church by the Sea Kīhei on Dec. 17, 2022. Services start at 10 a.m. and a memorial luncheon will likely be at 11:30 a.m. within the church chapel. Aloha attire encouraged. Ash spreading will likely be done at a later date.
Flowers and Notes may be sent to 152 Lanakila Pl. Kīhei, HI, 96753. Family requests in lieu of donations, please consider a donation to the Maui Humane Society. Condolences may be made at www.normansmortuary.com.
Theresa Flores
February 22, 1936 – November 15, 2022
Theresa Audrey Flores, known to most as “Aunty Audrey”, went home with the Lord on Nov. 15, 2022 on the age of 86. She was born to the late Aiona and Lydia Wong on Feb. 22, 1936.
She is predeceased by her loving husband James E Flores Sr. and survived by Myrna Blake and Victoria Purdy.
Aunty Audrey was a mainstay on the Maui Hukilau & Seaside Hotels for a few years. After retirement, she went back to work for the Maui Parks Department. Aunty Audrey was a talented Maui girl. She loved playing music, especially the piano. She had a great hand in cards and never to say, a tremendous cook. She was loved by many and can most definitely be missed by all.
Special because of Dr. Nagasaka, M. D. for her a few years of care and to Islands Hospice and all of the staff, for his or her loving care.
A service with viewing will likely be held on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at Norman’s Mortuary, 105 Waiʻale Road in Wailuku, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and burial to follow at 2 p.m. at Maui Memorial Park.
Online Condolences may be made at: www.NormansMortuary.com
Debbie Hisashima
May 13, 1967 – November 16, 2022
Debbie Hisashima, 55 of Haʻikū, Maui passed away on Nov. 16, 2022 at Maui Memorial Medical Center. She was born on May 13, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi.
Memorial services will likely be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022 at Hope Chapel in Kīhei. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. followed by services starting at 10:30 a.m.
Debbie was a teacher at Pukalani Elementary School. She enjoyed traveling, walking with family and friends and provoking young children. She is pre-deceased by her father, George Fukuda and survived by her mother, Barbara Fukuda; her husband, Kary Hisashima; her three daughters, Kyllie, Jaccie and Lannie; her siblings, Tammie Sawada (Jordan), Sharrie Tamura and Kevin Fukuda; her nieces, Kristen Sawada and Hannah Tamura; and her nephew, Jared Sawada.
Sandra Wheiler
March 24, 1945 – November 18, 2022
Sandra Lee Wheiler, 77, of Pāhoa, passed away on Nov. 18, 2022. Born March 24, 1945, in San Diego, CA, she was a retired waitress.
She is survived by husband, Robert Wheiler, of Pāhoa; daughter, Cheri Lee Webb of Portland, OR; father, Neal Christensen of Walla Walla, WA; brother, Jim Paquette of Palmer, AK; sister, Gale Williams of Menitee, CA; 2 Grandchildren; along with quite a few aunts and cousins.
Private services held.
Michael Kahala Greig
July 15, 1966 – November 18, 2022
Michael Kahala Greig, 56, passed away peacefully at his home in his sleep. Kahala, as he was known, was a Maui Police Officer after which he became a Juvenile Investigator for the County of Maui Prosecutor’s office, serving a complete of 25 years.
An completed musician, Kahala could possibly be seen and heard playing Hawaiian music, frequently, on the Old Lahaina Lūʻau, Dukes, the Hawaiʻi Visitors Association’s airport performances, and pitching in when needed with other musicians acting at various hotels, concert events, and tourist events.
As well as and just as necessary, Kahala volunteered every Sunday and/or Tuesdays to show and accompany Lahainaluna High School’s Boarders’ Chorus; the Hawaiiana Club; and Kanikapila, a bunch of scholars who learned to play the ʻukulele, bass, and guitar from Uncle Kahala to accompany the Boarders’ Chorus and Hawaiiana Club as they performed at various functions. He was carrying on the legacy that his father, the Late Jimmie Greig began at Lahainaluna: the Boarders’ Chorus and Hawaiiana Club. These students were taught not only to hold on the Hawaiian songs, dances, and cultural values but additionally to offer back to our community and state. Kahala, as its music director, helped steward the long-lasting David Malo Day Hoʻolaulea.
Kahala is predeceased by his parents Jimmie Greig and Josephine Cosma Greig Blair. He’s survived by his wife, Princisca “Lei” Greig; son Avery (Nicole) Goo and grandson, Jace Ioane Egleserio Goo. He leaves behind siblings James “Buddy” Greig, Ilima Marcel (Danton) Greig-Hong; niece, Nohili Ligaya; nephew, Nephi Kahikinui Kiong Sun; and diverse, loving aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves behind his two beloved pets, Schatzie and Hachiko.
“Me ke aloha pumehana, Kahala. We’ll feel you within the wind because it whispers through the trees; hearken to your voice as you sing through the flowers that surround you; and can welcome your legacy to dwell within the quiet of our hearts.”
Memorial services will likely be held on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at Ballard Family Mortuary in Kahului, Maui. Visitation over urn will likely be held from 11th of September:00 a.m. Celebration of Life will follow at 11 a.m. and lunch at 12 p.m.
Michael Neal Sardinha
March 5, 1965 – November 20, 2022
Michael N. Sardinha, 57, of Kahului, passed away on Nov. 20, 2022. He was born March 5, 1965, in Wailuku, Maui. He was a former worker of Maui Land and Pineapple Company. He enjoyed riding his moped and hanging out with family and friends.
He’s survived by his mother, Beatrice Sardinha; sisters, Corinna Cadiz (Mark), Virgie Delapinia (Carl) and Denise Sardinha (Chris); and diverse nieces and nephews. He’s predeceased by his father, William C. Sardinha Sr.; brothers, William “Billy” Sardinha, Jr.; and Jerome Sardinha.
Visitation will likely be held from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022 at Ballard Family Mortuary; services begin at 7 p.m.; cremation will follow.
Robert Kahoohanohano
January 22, 1981 – November 21, 2022
Robert Kahoohanohano, 41, of Wailuku, Maui, passed away on Nov. 21, 2022. He was born on Jan. 22, 1981 in Wailuku.
A memorial service will likely be held on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at Ballard Family Mortuary from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Family requests casual attire with colours black and/or red.
Scattering of ashes to follow soon after services.
Robert worked as an expert mover on Maui. He’s survived by his mother, Carolyn Kahoohanohano; companion, Tiane Kaupe; children, Tehani Kaupe, Kaiani Pacheco, Kymani Pacheco; Mailani Kahoohanohano; his siblings, Chelsea Amato (Ben), Sheleah Kahoohanohano (John), Lihau Kahoohanohano (RC); and diverse nieces & nephews.