FAMILY PLACED OBITUARY

DR. RICHARD PASANA TESORO
DR. RICHARD PASANA TESORO 1937-2012 Richard Pasana Tesoro, M.D. went to be with the Lord on August 10, 2012 at the age of 74 years. He passed away at home. Richard was born on Maui and raised on Lanai by parents Dionicio and Maura Tesoro. He was the eldest of seven children. As a young man, he developed a hard work ethic from his labor on the pineapple fields. He graduated as valedictorian of Lanai High School, class of 1955 and received a four-year college scholarship from Dole Pineapple Company. He then studied at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and transferred to the University of Oregon where he received a Doctor of Medicine degree. In 1967, he married Adele Caluya of Waipahu whom he met while attending the University of Hawaii. Dr. Tesoro's life of service began in his youth. Around the age of 7, he sustained a traumatic leg injury. He underwent orthopedic rehabilitation at Shriner's Hospital where he received compassionate care and overcame his disability. He went on to join the Boy Scouts, excelling to Eagle Scout. As a teenager, Richard saved a fellow scout from drowning at a Scout Jamboree in Lake Tahoe. He was the first in Hawaii to receive the Veterans of Foreign Wars scholarship award for outstanding Boy Scout achievement. This achievement was recognized in a ceremony by Governor Samuel Wilder King and Mayor Neil Blaisdell who honored him with the Key to the City Award. These experiences were early marks of his growing desire to save lives and to serve his community. In 1964, at the age of 28, Dr. Tesoro served as a Captain in the Army in Company D of the 25th Infantry Division's 25th Medical Battalion in the Vietnam War. He received the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service as a medical officer. Upon honorable discharge, Dr. Tesoro co-founded the Medical Arts Clinic in Wahiawa where he served the community until he medically retired in 2010. In the 1970's, he was the Leilehua Football Team Doctor. As a teaching preceptor, he mentored many UH medical students and was honored with the Family Medicine Preceptor of the Year award from the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine in 2002. Dr. Tesoro was an avid spear fisherman with his biggest catch being an 89 pound ulua (which according to "fishing legend", may have been as large as 130 lbs). He also enjoyed gardening. He was a faithful supporter of UH football, his children's Iolani athletic events, and of his grandchildren's various sporting events. His community involvement included his roles as President of the Mililani-Waipio Bobby Sox League, volunteer for the Aloha Medical Missions Clinic, and member of the Mililani Lions Club. He enjoyed spending time with his family, sharing with them his love of sports, gardening, and the ocean. Amidst these many pastimes and interests, his greatest joy was his wife, children, and grandchildren. Dr. Tesoro is survived by his loving wife, Adele; his son Dr. Richard A. Tesoro, DDS (Lani); his daughters Renee Tesoro Dang (Daynon), Dr. Lori Wiley, AuD (Dan), and Michelle Tesoro Tsuruda (Paul); his grandchildren Sage and Blake Tesoro, Makana and Alexis Dang, Justin, Andrew, and Timothy Wiley, and Joseph and Asia Tsuruda; sisters Violet Tabisola (Felix), Marin Patao (Willie), and Jane Smith (Joe); brother Reynaldo Tesoro (Cynthia); and aunt Amelia DeAquino. A celebration of Dr. Tesoro's life will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at Mililani Memorial Park, Mauka Chapel. Visitation is at 9:00 a.m. Service is at 10:00 a.m. Burial and reception are to follow. Aloha attire is requested. Flowers are welcome.

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased

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