In Loving Memory of Stanley Hiroshi Kono
With hearts full of love and profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Stanley Hiroshi Kono on May 17, at the age of 79. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a beacon of kindness, generosity, and aloha, whose joyful spirit touched the lives of all who knew him.
Stanley was born to Shigeru and Yoshiko Kono, whose values and strength helped shape the remarkable man he became. He shared a lifelong bond with his brother, Clyde Kono (Jean), rooted in mutual respect and enduring family ties.
A graduate of Kauai High School’s Class of 1964, Stanley went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in marketing and retail advertising from Boise State University in 1968. His strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit led him to become Vice President and co-owner of the Variety Stores of Kauai, with locations in Hanalei, Koloa, and Waipouli. He managed and operated the Waipouli Variety Store in Kapaa — a place that became more than just a store. It became a gathering spot, a touchstone in the community, and a reflection of Stan’s welcoming spirit.
For 57 beautiful years, he shared a life of love and partnership with his wife, Jolene Camara Kono. Together, they built a strong and loving family, rooted in laughter, devotion, and unbreakable bonds.
As a father, he was everything and more to Jody Kono Kjeldsen and Derek Kono, always present, endlessly proud, and forever loving. He embraced his son-in-law, Maui Kjeldsen, daughter-in-law, Tara Kono, and grandson-in-law Kyle Woo with open arms and a full heart, treating them as his own.
Above all, his greatest joy in life was being “Papa” to his treasured granddaughters, Taylor, TaiMana, Maiha, and Mikaela. Whether it was a game, recital, competition, or just “hanging out”, Papa never missed a moment. Rain or shine, near or far, he was always there cheering the loudest, smiling the brightest, and radiating pride. To them, he was more than a grandfather— he was their steady, loving presence and someone they could always count on. He was their HERO.
Stan found happiness in life’s simple pleasures: fishing, gardening, sharing stories with friends, spending time with family, taking trips to Las Vegas, and cheering on the LA Dodgers.
His legacy is one of unconditional love, enduring laughter, and a spirit that uplifted everyone around him. He gave so much of himself, quietly, humbly, and wholeheartedly and leaves behind a life beautifully lived and deeply loved.
He will be missed more than words can express. Yet his memory will live on in our hearts, in every story we tell, every smile we share, and in the aloha he so freely gave.
A hui hou… until we meet again.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support, and kindness from dear family, cherished friends, and this beautiful community. Your comforting words, thoughtful gestures, and shared memories have brought us strength during this difficult time.
In honoring Stanley’s wishes, services will be held privately.
Caroline I. Dodge
Caroline I. Dodge, 53, of Whitesboro, New York, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, with her family by her side after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on Nov. 10, 1970, in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, Caroline was from Koloa, the daughter of Thomas S. and Dorothy M. (Balocan) Furtado.
She held various jobs throughout her career, most notably with St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital, Lincare Inc., Dr. A. Wassel, and Home and Hospital Medical Supplies and Services.
She was predeceased by her parents, as well as her beloved sister Jessica “Elena” Blando.
Caroline is survived by her adoring husband Patrick, daughter Rebecca, son Sean, siblings Alison (Keleki) Crichton, Frank (Lahaina) Furtado, Tina (Steve) West, Peggy Furtado, Jessie (Leticia) Furtado, April (Larry) Toussant, Clinton (Erica) Furtado, Bradley Furtado, Thomas Furtado Jr., father and mother-in-law Howard and Jacqueline Dodge, mother-in-law Cynthia Koch, sister and brother-in-law Shannon and Scott Madore, nieces and nephews Christopher Dodge, McKenzie Dodge, Alexandria Green, Ryan Bonacci Jr., Keilah Crichton, Christian Crichton, Jaran Rogers, Palani Furtado, Naea Souza, Keli’i Souza, Veelicia Lizama, Jeffrie Blando, Anthony Furtado, Alayna Toussant, Gianna Toussant, Ethan Toussant, Emma Furtado, Julina Furtado, Caila Furtado, great-nieces and great-nephews, including DJ and CJ Green, great-nieces Starlet Souza, Raine Green, numerous aunts, uncles, friends, special friends Linda and Loring Tillson, Jeanette and Kevin Hiscock, Connie and Jeff Bunal and special canine companions Rocky and Jackson.
A private celebration of life will be held on July 14, 2025, at Salt Pond.
Dolores (Dee) Sarmento
Dolores (Dee) Sarmento, 90, of Lawai and Kalaheo passed away on June 13, 2025, at home. She was born in Oakland, California, on Aug. 11, 1934, and worked as a Key Punch Operator for many years before becoming a Computer Librarian with Clorox Company in Oakland, California.
She was preceded in passing by her husband Alfred Correa Sarmento of Lawai, Kauai, parents Peter and Caroline Abila, son Thomas L. Miller, (Rebecca Kane) of Riverbank, California, siblings John Abila, Mary “Mimi” Elizabeth Abila, Carol Ann (Turley), Patricia (Kulp), Peter Abila, and Richard Abila.
Dolores is survived by her children John M. (KC Egan) Miller of Alameda, California, Alfred P. (Darline Rita) Sarmento of Kekaha, Kauai, Gregory S. (Jo Quinn) Sarmento of Custer, South Dakota, sister Barbara Cota of Pleasanton, California, nieces Linda Marie Landers of Gladstone, Missouri and Valery Truce (Roger) of Reno Nevada, and many others, grandchildren Regina M. Miller (Gary Clark) of Livermore, California, Fiona Miller of Los Angeles, California, Christina Miller and Ricky Miller of Riverbank, California, Dwight and Sandra Miller of Albarraque, Portugal, David Sarmento and Kelly Sarmento of San Lorenzo, California, and many great grandchildren.
The family asks for donations to The Alzheimer’s Association, Hawaii Chapter in lieu of flowers.
A celebration of life will be held at The Church at Koloa, AOG, on Tuesday, July 29, at 10 a.m. With internment to follow at The Kauai Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe at 1 p.m.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Source: The Garden Island
Be First to Comment