MSgt Herman Paul Rapozo's Obituary
MSgt Herman Paul Rapozo
A Hui Hou
Herman Paul (Rapoza) Rapozo (90) was born on May 18, 1927, in Makaweli, Kauai in the Territory of Hawai’i, to Adeline Perreira Rapoza and Joseph Botelho Rapoza. Joseph later moved his family to Honumu, Hawai’i where they lived and worked at the sugar mill of Hawaiian Sugar Company.
On May 25, 1945 Herman enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. He had been working at the Pearl Harbor Ship Yards in Honolulu since he was 15. Herman served three tours in Vietnam and was proud of his military service.
He met the love of his life, Hiroko (Peggy) Kubota while stationed in Japan following the end of WWII and were soon married. Together they had four sons, Patrick (Teresa), Mark (Lori), Clifford, and Peter (Colleen).
Herman is survived by his wife of 64 years; his four sons; his grandchildren, Patricia, Brandon (Tiffany), Justin (Mimosa), Matthew, Krista, Jesse, and Blaise (Monique); his great-grandchildren Kylie and Oliver (Brandon), Edison and Nolan (Justin), Idas and Ryan (Jesse), Delvis, Melissa, Blaise Jr. (Blaise); as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
Herman was preceded in death by his parents as well as his siblings, Joseph (Nelson) Nielson Rapozo, Elizabeth Irene Veriato, and Joseph Stanley (Rappy) Rapoza.
His military career took him and his family all over the world finally retiring in Tacoma near his brother Nelson and his family. Not one to be idle, Herman worked for Tacoma Public Utilities retiring from there after 16 years.
Herman loved to talk story and barbecue for his family. Many times were spent laughing and talking over Portuguese soup, rice, potato salad and a variety of barbecued meats. You never left hungry from Herman and Peggy’s home and extended family was always welcome.
Over the years Herman enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and spending time with family and friends at annual reunions with the Old Soldiers of Hawai’i.
Following an extended fight against cancer, Herman passed away peacefully with his wife and family at his side. Services will be held February 23, 2018 at 10:00am in the Aspen Chapel at Mountain View, followed by a reception with interment at Tahoma National Cemetery at 2:30pm.
His family extends a special mahalo nui loa to Dr. McDuffee and the staff in the Oncology Clinic, and Dr. Faran and the staff in the Palliative Care Ward at Madigan Army Medical Center.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Palliative Care Ward at Madigan Army Medical Center or to your favorite charity.
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