Herbert Arai Obituary

HERBERT HIROSHI ARAI 91, of Kaneohe, Hawaii, passed away peacefully at home on August 7, 2023, with his family by his side. He was born in Hilo, Hawaii on April 4, 1932 to Jiro and Kimiko (Minato) Arai. Herbert grew up in Papaikou and graduated from Hilo High School in 1950. He served in the Army, First Armored Division Artillery, stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, and attained the position of Corporal. After being honorably discharged, he joined the 442nd Army Reserves in Hilo and was promoted to Sargeant. He moved to Honolulu in 1958 and worked for a vending machine company as a repairman, where he met an owner of a sushi shop. She treated Herbert like her son and introduced him to Setsuko Taira, who had moved to Hawaii from Japan and was renting a room in her home. On August 29, 1964, they were married at Pohai Nani in Kaneohe and a year later, they welcomed their daughter Sandi. Herbert worked hard to provide for his family and ensure his daughter received a good education and cultivated her musical skills, through piano and violin lessons. Herbert was gifted as a mechanic and worked at Lockheed Aircraft as an aircraft maintenance mechanic, Pearl Harbor as a pipe fitter on nuclear submarines, Hickam Field as an aircraft mechanic and Hawaiian Telephone/GTE as an automotive mechanic. He worked at Hawaiian Telephone/GTE for almost 25 years, retiring from GTE in 1993. He enjoyed working on cars and helped many friends over the years with their vehicles. He also enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles, spending time with his grandchildren and enjoying the beautiful mountain view from their home. Herbert is survived by his sister, Evelyn Inouye; daughter, Sandi Karrmann; son-in-law Steve Karrmann; and grandchildren Steven, Nicole and Taylor Karrmann. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Setsuko Arai, father Jiro Arai, mother, Kimiko (Minato) Arai, sister Tsuruko Daimaru and brothers George and Thomas Arai. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 11:30am at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, 47-200 Kahekili Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744. Immediately following the service, guests are invited to enjoy lunch. Casual attire is welcomed. "What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us." ~Helen Keller . We love you Herbert/Herb/Dad/Ojiichan. You will remain in our hearts forever. Arrangements Provided By: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary