Dean Ponimoi Obituary

DEAN KAPUA PONIMOI JUNE 26, 1967 OCTOBER 26, 2024 Dean "Dino" Kapua Ponimoi, age 57, was called home to be with Jesus on Saturday, October 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Dean was born on June 26, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to James Kamai Ponimoi Sr. and Angeline Kaumaka Soares. A er graduating from Saint Louis School in 1985, he eventually established a longstanding career at Hawaiian Electric Company, where he dedicated 31 years of service before retiring in 2024. While in high school, Dean met the love of his life, Patti, and together they shared ey made their home in Kaneohe, where they raised four children: Kapua, Kahanu, Cierra, and Chloe. Dean's faith was his anchor. His love for God was woven into everything he did, and it showed in the life he lived and the kindness he extended to everyone around him. He had a unique gi for making people feel welcomed, loved, and understood. Known for his witty one-liners and quirky sense of humor-even in the hardest of times-Dean had an extraordinary way of sensing when someone needed a smile. He always found a way to li their spirits. Spreading joy was as natural to him as breathing, and he carried that spirit right through his e nal hours. Dean was predeceased by his father, James Kamai Ponimoi Sr. He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia A. (O'Toole); their children, Brittney "Kapua" Ponimoi, Joseph J. K. "Kahanu" Ponimoi, Cierra Ponimoi-Pugay, and Chloe Ponimoi; grandchildren Levi Phillips and Carli Phillips; sons-in-law Richard Phillips and Kolton Pugay; mother Angeline Kaumaka Soares; brothers James Kamai Ponimoi Jr. and Sean Soares; and sisters Deanne Tangonan, Dawn Yount, and Davie-ann Soares. Dean courageously fought a battle with Stage 4 thymus squamous cell carcinoma, and his family is forever grateful for the compassionate care he received from the dedicated teams at Kaiser Permanente, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The Ballard House, Queens Medical Center, Hawaii Cancer Center, and Malama Ola Health Services. A Memorial Service to honor Dean's life will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Anchor Church. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1 p.m. at Senator Fong's Plantation. Flowers may be sent to Anchor Church, addressed to the Ponimoi family.