Longtime resident of Kailua passed away February 9th, 2019 just short of his 98th birthday. Henry was born on February 16th 1921 in Lanikai Hawai'i, the third child of Kaneyo and Chozo. He graduated from McKinley High School in 1939 and married Motoye Hiraoka in 1942. Henry volunteered for the army in March of 1943 and served in the 100th /442nd Regimental Combat Team. While in the army Henry was sent to the Mediterranean and European Theatre of War throughout Italy, France and Germany. He experienced the world outside of Hawai'i with the backdrop of World War II. The men of the 100th/442 RCT are the most decorated in US military history. Henry was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge and Congressional Gold Medal for his service. In November of 1945, Henry returned to Kailua, and was reunited with his wife Motoye, and child Henrietta. He vowed to never leave Hawai'i again. He became a tradesman working at Barbers Point, Pearl Harbor and Kane'ohe Marine Base. His family grew with the arrivals of Reginald, Sandra, Dennis and James. He retired at 55 and enjoyed fishing, diving and his family. Henry preceded loved ones in death; his wife Motoye and daughter Sandra (Goya) sister Meisai and brother Matsudo, Jiro. He is survived by; brothers and sister Kyoshi, Cheiko and Kaoru, children, Henrietta (Leininger) Reginald (Shawn Slocum), Dennis, James (Elva), grandchildren Dannette Leininger (Keri Farley), Brent Yoshikawa (Aileen), Sarah Seson (Joey), Ian and Josh Rasor, great grandchildren Jarren, Jayden, Jett, Cooper, Evalani and Leia. The family owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Nurse Soon of the VA and Sunny Tapaita Veikos for the love and care they bestowed on Henry. The service will be held February 27, 2019 at 11am at the State Veteran's Committal Shelter at Hawaiian Memorial Parks, 45-425 Kamehameha Hwy, Kane'ohe. Lunch to follow at 12:00pm at New Mui Kwai Chop Suey, 132, 2507 Oneawa St, Kailua. Should friends desire memorials may be made to the charity of their choice or Hospice Hawaii. Let's all raise a glass for Akira-Okole Maluna.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
74
