Dermot Ornelles Obituary

DERMOT JOSEPH ORNELLES, DDS Dr. Dermot Joseph Ornelles passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 5, 2024. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii (Waikiki) to Adam and Mary Ornelles, he was one of six children and a twin. Dermot, a proud alumnus, graduated from St. Louis School in 1946, the University of Hawaii in 1950, and the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1954. He practiced dentistry in Honolulu for over 50 years, where he shared his gifts of storytelling and humor with his patients, many of whom became good friends. Dermot loved art and music. He was a loyal patron of the Hawaii Opera Theatre. He played trombone in high school and college, in a jazz band, and with the Honolulu Symphony. Dermot had a love and talent for baseball. A member of the ILH Championship Team at St. Louis School in 1945 and 1946, he played in high school, in college, and for the Braves of the Hawaii Baseball League. He fondly remembered playing against Joe DiMaggio in exhibition games in Honolulu. He was recruited in 1950 by Kansas City as a first baseman, but chose dental school and the Army, serving as a Captain at Fort Ord, California until 1958. He married Caroline Lee in 1956. They were blessed with four wonderful children. After Caroline's passing, on a date arranged by her best friend, Dermot met Eileen Kelleher. They were married in 2006, retired in 2009, and enjoyed 18 years of marriage. An avid golfer, he continued playing until he was scoring below his age, golfing with friends from three clubs. He enjoyed fishing, skiing, walking, running, and completed three Honolulu Marathons with Eileen. He loved sports, especially when a St. Louis graduate was on the team. Dermot is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Kelleher-Ornelles; sons, David A. Ornelles (Roanne), John D. Ornelles, Robert L. Ornelles (Cecily); daughter, Susan K. Ornelles Haruki (Todd); stepdaughter, Susan Kelleher Holtz (Doug); grandchildren, Anne, Adam (Hannah), Marcus, Matthew, Jack, and Jacob Ornelles, Brandon and Caroline Haruki; and sisters, Eloise Wilson and Brenda Waters. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Caroline Lee Ornelles; daughter-in-law, Adele L. Brown Ornelles; stepdaughter, Stacy J. Kelleher; and brothers, Emory, Axel, and Gordon Ornelles. All services will be held on August 28th, 2024, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 5919 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu HI, 96821. Visitation will start at 9:00 AM, followed by a service at 10:00 AM, and a Funeral Mass at 10:15 AM. Lunch and refreshments will be provided on the Lanai from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Private burial services to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, or your favorite charity. Arrangements Provided By: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary