Obituaries & Notable Deaths | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

One of last survivors of Pearl Harbor attack dies at 100

Tribune News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:40:00 +0000

When Bob Fernandez joined the Navy in August 1941, his innocence was forgivable.

Lou Carnesecca, St. John’s legendary basketball coach, dies at 99

New York Times — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 23:57:00 +0000

Lou Carnesecca, a Hall of Fame coach who took St. John’s University to national basketball prominence and who was known for his quick wit and colorful courtside persona, died Saturday. He was 99.

Art Cashin, Wall Street veteran and CNBC regular, dies at age 83

Reuters — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 23:55:00 +0000

NEW YORK >> Art Cashin, a renowned market pundit and the UBS director of floor operations at the New York Stock Exchange, has died at the age of 83, UBS said.

Hawaii’s ‘Rosie the Riveter’ dies on Maui at age 98

Kevin Knodell — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Lucille “Cille” MacDonald, a Maui resident who was recognized by Congress for her work building ships during World War II and escaped the 2023 Lahaina fire, died Friday just weeks short of what would have been her 99th birthday.

Stephen Kane‘a‘i Morse,member of Kaho‘olawe Nine, dies at age 78

None — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Stephen Kane‘a‘i Morse, a member of the Kaho‘olawe Nine who traversed the Alalakeiki Channel from Maui to the former Target Island in 1976 in an effort to repatriate the latter from the U.S. Navy, died Sept. 29 at The Queen’s Medical Center-West Oahu after a nine-year battle against cancer, his family said.

Judith Jamison, celebrated Ailey dancer, dies at age 81

New York Times — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Judith Jamison, a majestic dancer who became an international star as a member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and who directed the troupe for more than two decades, building it into the most successful modern dance company in the country, died Saturday in Manhattan. She was 81.

Music master Quincy Jones dies at 91

Reuters — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 16:05:00 +0000

Quincy Jones, the man known simply as “Q,” was a huge influence on American music in his work with artists ranging from Count Basie to Frank Sinatra and reshaped pop music in his collaborations with Michael Jackson.

Phil Lesh, bassist who anchored the Grateful Dead, dies at 84

New York Times — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 21:43:00 +0000

Phil Lesh, whose expansive approach to the bass as a charter member of the Grateful Dead made him one of the first performers on that instrument in a rock band to play a lead role rather than a supporting one, died today. He was 84.

Artist, filmmaker Martin Charlot left his mark

John Berger — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Martin Charlot — a Hawaii resident for more than 40 years who described himself as “painter, muralist, writer, actor, filmmaker, iIllustrator and educator” — died Oct. 2 at the Hilo Benioff Medical Center in Hilo. He was 79.

HPR executive Michael Titterton expanded reach, listener support

John Berger — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Michael Titterton, whose 17 years as president and general manager of Hawai‘i Public Radio from 1999 to 2016 saw the nonprofit broadcaster grow to reach radio audiences across Hawaii, died Oct. 4 at his home in Honolulu. He was 76.

One Direction singer Liam Payne dead after balcony fall in Buenos Aires

Reuters — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 21:55:00 +0000

BUENOS AIRES >> Former One Direction singer Liam Payne was found dead outside a hotel in Buenos Aires after falling from his third-floor room balcony, Argentine police confirmed on Wednesday.

Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert Kennedy, dies at 96

Reuters — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 16:30:00 +0000

WASHINGTON >> Ethel Kennedy, a long-time human rights advocate who endured a series of tragedies that included the assassination of her husband, Robert F. Kennedy, and the untimely deaths of two of their 11 children, died today at the age of 96, her grandson Joseph Kennedy III said in a social media post.

Multitalented entrepreneur Cione redefined Hawaii entertainment

John Berger — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 10:05:00 +0000

His willingness to let the people of Hawaii see whatever prudish public officials said should not be seen made him a legend in Hawaii’s entertainment history. His belief that it was better to do something and ask forgiveness than to ask permission and be denied was legendary as well. Jack Cione — entrepreneur, nightclub and showroom owner, cabaret show producer, dance instructor, author and creator of Hawaii’s original naked waiters revue — died Oct. 1 in Honolulu. He was 97.

Newly retired Star-Advertiser writer Tim Hurley dies of aggressive cancer

Dan Nakaso — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Veteran Maui News, Honolulu Advertiser, and Honolulu Star-Advertiser writer Tim Hurley died unexpectedly on Sunday of Stage 4 cancer after retiring in June to care for his wife, who has Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

Sharon Thomas Yarbrough, prominent promoter of women, dies at 71

John Berger — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 10:04:00 +0000

Sharon Thomas Yarbrough — a prominent member of the Black culture and arts community in Hawaii for more than 30 years — died Sept. 23 at Kaiser Hospital in Honolulu. She was 71. Yarbrough was the founder and president of Sisters Empowering Hawaii, an organization dedicated to uplifting, motivating, educating and empowering women. Sisters Empowering Hawaii produced speakers programs, hosted luncheons, and presented book signings, art shows and poetry readings.

John Amos, star of TV’s ‘Good Times’ and ‘Roots,’ dies at 84

Reuters — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 23:00:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES >> John Amos, the football player-turned-actor who was acclaimed for his roles in the 1970s TV series “Good Times” as well as the miniseries “Roots,” died on Aug. 21 in Los Angeles at age 84, his son Kelly Christopher (K.C.) Amos said.

Baseball legend Pete Rose dies at 83

Field Level Media — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 23:55:00 +0000

Pete Rose, the all-time major league leader in hits and games played who was banned for life for betting on baseball, died Monday. He was 83.

Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo dies of brain cancer

Field Level Media — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo died today from brain cancer, the NBA announced. He was 58.

Kris Kristofferson, influential singer-songwriter and actor, dies at home on Maui

Reuters — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:06:00 +0000

Kris Kristofferson, who became one of the most influential American singer-songwriters of his time with works such as “Me and Bobby McGee,” as well as becoming a successful actor, died Saturday at the age of 88, according to a family statement.

Maggie Smith, grand dame of stage and screen, dies at 89

New York Times — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 21:34:00 +0000

Maggie Smith, one of the finest British stage and screen actors of her generation, whose award-winning roles ranged from a freethinking Scottish schoolteacher in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” to the acid-tongued dowager countess on “Downton Abbey,” died today in London. She was 89.

Tongsun Park, lobbyist scarred by Koreagate scandal, dies at 89

New York Times — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 23:40:00 +0000

Tongsun Park, an urbane, amiable international lobbyist who stood at the center of two bribery scandals separated by nearly 30 years, and who was once a Gatsby-like figure in Washington whose flamboyant parties were attended by lawmakers, officials and the occasional Hollywood celebrity, died Thursday in Seoul, South Korea. He was 89.

Peru’s Fujimori, divisive head of political dynasty, dies at 86

Reuters — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 16:05:00 +0000

LIMA >> Former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori, who steered economic growth during the 1990s but was later jailed for human rights abuses stemming from a bloody war against Maoist rebels, died on Wednesday. He was aged 86.

Georgette Deemer, tireless film industry promoter, dies at age 71

John Berger — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Georgette Deemer — whose 16 years as Hawaii film commissioner launched the islands’ international film and television industry — died Sept. 1 in Honolulu after a long battle with cancer. She was 71.

James Earl Jones, voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93

Reuters — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 21:10:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES >> American actor James Earl Jones, an imposing stage and screen presence who overcame a childhood stutter to develop a stentorian voice recognized the world over as intergalactic villain Darth Vader, died on Monday at the age of 93.

Na Hoku-winning musician Teresa Bright was popular in Hawaii and Japan

John Berger — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Teresa Bright, a multitalented Native Hawaiian entertainer known for her sweet and sultry vocal style and innovative blending of Hawaiian, Japanese and Okinawan music, died Sept. 1 after a period of declining health. She was 64.

Sergio Mendes brought Brazilian rhythms to U.S. pop charts

New York Times — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 22:36:00 +0000

Sergio Mendes, the Brazilian-born pianist, composer and arranger who brought bossa nova music to a global audience in the 1960s through his ensemble, Brasil ‘66, and remained a force in popular music for more than six decades, died Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 83.

Fatman Scoop, a DJ and rapper, dies onstage at age 56

New York Times — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 03:06:00 +0000

Rapper Fatman Scoop, whose hoarse and booming voice brought an electric energy to songs by Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey, and who performed the underground club favorite “Be Faithful,” died after collapsing onstage during a performance Friday. He was 56.

Blue Jackets’ Gaudreau dead at 31 after being struck by vehicle

Reuters — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Columbus Blue Jackets standout Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother have died after being struck by a vehicle while riding bikes in New Jersey, the team and National Hockey League announced today.

Maria Branyas Morera, world’s oldest person, dies at 117

New York Times — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 18:00:00 +0000

Maria Branyas Morera, an American-born Spanish woman believed to be the oldest person in the world, has died, according to her family. She was 117.

Phil Donahue, pioneer of the daytime talk show, dies at 88

Reuters — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 16:15:00 +0000

Phil Donahue, who changed the face of U.S. daytime television with a long-running syndicated talk show that highlighted topical and often provocative social and political issues, has died at age 88, NBC’s “Today” show reported today, citing a statement from his family.

Maui ceramicist Edmund Enomoto’s works honored near and far

Star-Advertiser Staff — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Noted Maui artist and educator Edmund M.K. Enomoto, whose ceramic sculptures are part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection, died Aug. 3 at Kaiser Moanalua Medical Center. He was 78.

Wally Amos, creator of Famous Amos Cookies, dies in Honolulu at 88

New York Times — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 23:11:00 +0000

Wally Amos, an indefatigable entrepreneur who in 1975 took a $25,000 loan from a few friends in Hollywood to start Famous Amos, one of the first brands to push high-quality cookies in its own stores and one of the world’s best-known names in baked goods, died Tuesday at his home in Honolulu. He was 88.

Model advocate for homeless Twinkle Borge remembered for reshaping attitudes

Dan Nakaso — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Twinkle Borge died Monday at the age of 54 after fiercely fighting for the members of her homeless community at the Waianae Small Boat Harbor and, along the way, helping to change the way that Hawaii thinks about addressing communities of homeless people who are willing to help themselves.

Retired U.S. District Judge Alan C. Kay dies at age 92

Peter Boylan — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 21:52:00 +0000

Retired U.S. District Court Judge Alan Cooke Kay, the jurist who issued historic rulings protecting Kamehameha Schools admissions’ policy and journalism in Hawaii, died Tuesday. He was 92.

William Calley, face of My Lai massacre in Vietnam War, dies at 80

Reuters — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:11:00 +0000

William Calley, who during the Vietnam War led his U.S. Army platoon into the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai and carried out one of the worst war crimes in American military history, has died, according to media reports. He was 80.

Lou Dobbs, former Fox Business and CNN host, dead at 78

Reuters — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Lou Dobbs, a former Fox Business and CNN host who was a vocal supporter of Republican former President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 78, his friends and a statement posted on his social media account said on Thursday.

Actor Bob Newhart, famous for deadpan humor, dies at age 94

Reuters — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 20:40:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES >> Bob Newhart, who fled the tedium of an accounting job to become a master of stammering, deadpan humor as a standup comedian and later as a U.S. television sitcom star, died today at the age of 94, his publicist said.

Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, dies at 69

Tribune News Service — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 05:05:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES >> Joe Bryant, a former NBA player and WNBA coach with a colorful nickname, has died at 69, four and a half years after his son, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, granddaughter Gianna Bryant and seven other people died in a helicopter crash.

Shannen Doherty, ‘90210’ and ‘Charmed’ actress, dies at 53

Reuters — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 19:22:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES >> American actor Shannen Doherty, best known for her role as high school student Brenda Walsh on hit 1990s television drama “Beverly Hills, 90210,” has died at age 53 following a years-long battle with cancer.

Fitness guru Richard Simmons dead at 76, media reports say

Reuters — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 01:59:00 +0000

Fitness guru Richard Simmons has died at age 76, multiple media outlets reported, including ABC News and TMZ.