Retiree News

Rafael Cuaresma Taroma, 101, of Hilo died July 15 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, he was a retired truck driver for the former Hilo Coast Processing Co., retired Hawaii Army National Guard veteran, member of the American Legion, Papaikou Filipino Catholic Club and Pepeekeo Filipino Association and the final surviving Sakada brought to Hawaii Island in 1946 by the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association.

Survived by wife, Felicitas Taroma of Pepeekeo; son, Ralph “Augie” (Joyce) Taroma of Hilo; daughters, Lolita “Lita” (Steven) Kubojiri of Hilo, Gloria (Frank) Maynard of Preston, N.Y., Priscilla (Joseph) Schweiger of Bremerton, Wash., and Brenda Lynn (Jerry) Bidal of Olympia, Wash.; 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

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