Stephen James Achong, 87, passed away with his beloved wife and family by his side September 6, 2020. Steve was born January 7, 1933 in Honolulu to Herman and Elizabeth Ka'alele Achong and predeceased by his siblings Herman "Sonny", Alfred, Elizabeth Awana, Michael, Robert and Clara.Stephen grew up in Kaimuki attending St. Patrick School then graduating from St. Louis College Class of 1951. He enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base. In 1955, he was discharged and received a Good Conduct Award. As a GI recipient, Steve continued his education at Golden Gate College in San Francisco graduating with a BA in Accounting and worked for Amfac, Hawaiian Airlines, Royal Hawaiian Air Service, Sea Life Park, Honolulu Symphony, and Star of the Sea Church.
Stephen's adored wife of 62 years, Laura Leonora Del Rosario Achong, 86, passed away 33 days later reuniting with her husband surrounded by family on October 9, 2020. Laura, born January 3, 1934 in San Pedro, California, to Lorenzo and Leonora Hintolan Del Rosario was predeceased by her siblings Lucy Gonzales and Lorenzo and is survived by her aunt, Esther Delgado from San Diego.
Laura grew up in Kalihi attending Sacred Hearts Academy graduating with the acclaimed Class of 1952. Her classmates called her small but mighty and Laura definitely proved that. After all, the "Academy" girls were a special lot. Laura took music, voice and piano lessons with her sister, Lucy, while their brother, Sonny learned the violin. They played at recitals, church services, weddings, dance studios, and family gatherings. She studied music at University of Hawaii but eventually graduated from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Yakima, Washington. She was employed as a nurse at Yakima Valley Hospital, Mary's Help Hospital in San Francisco, and in Honolulu: St. Francis Hospital, the State of Hawaii Department of Health, Waimano Training School and Hospital and Hansen's disease department at Leahi Hospital.
Steve and Laura were introduced by friends and he rescued her from pranksters. Their paths continued to cross and it was meant to be that they were wed January 4, 1958 at Our Lady of Peace in Honolulu. His in-laws called him the "big man". He was a man of not many words but would do anything to help others.
They began their family in San Francisco but returned home and moved to Aiea. As their family grew, they settled into their forever home in Hawaii Kai. With their 6 children, the busy couple became supportive community members of Hawaii Kai Youth Flag Football, Basketball and Baseball Organizations, Hawaii Kai Little League and Bobby Sox, Star of the Sea and Holy Trinity Church choirs, and spent countless hours at Star of the Sea School with many memorable years helping at their annual carnival.
After retiring, they travelled extensively by plane, train, or cruise ship seeing Europe, Philippines, Asia, Canada, Panama Canal and the United States visiting their daughters in Las Vegas and San Diego. They loved watching University of Hawaii play, volleyball being their favorite.
During their 62 years of marriage, they taught by example the value of family, commitment, education, the Catholic church, God and prayer. They attended their grands and great-grandchildren's births, baptisms, school events, fundraisers, concerts, games, plays, graduations and weddings near and far. They instilled the importance to do the right thing, to love one another, to see the other side, and to treat others as you want to be treated. They were the very best role models of loving and nurturing parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. Everyone who knew them will remember them as always being there to do what is needed. As family and friends can attest, they were very special people.
Stephen and Laura are deeply missed by their six children, Liane (Brian) Dias of Las Vegas, Laurene (David) Veniegas of San Diego, Stephen Briand (Yvette), Stuart (Marsha), Sean (Michelle) and Laura; 25 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Due to COVID-19 their family will have a memorial service at a later date so that we may celebrate their lives in an appropriate manner.
