Kenneth Kitagawa Obituary

KENNETH KENBO YUKIO KITAGAWA February 3, 1938 - September 5, 2025 Kenneth "Kenbo" Kitagawa bid his Aloha on September 5, 2025 at the age of 87. He lived a long and full life of service as a physical education teacher at Stevenson Intermediate School, then traveled the world with the United States Army. After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, Ken became a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service and continued being a leader as the President of the Hawaii State Association of Letter Carriers Union. Finally retiring in 2002, he enjoyed his retirement years having lunch and keeping in touch with his classmates of Maui High Class of 1956 and his fellow retired letter carriers. Continuing his fellowship with the Postal Service, he participated in the annual Letter Carriers Food Bank Drive. He welcomed all the volunteers and walked around with a soda box of water bottles and food to ensure everyone stayed hydrated and fed. A proud alumni of the University of Hawaii where he played football, Ken was an avid fan of the Warriors teams. He enjoyed watching all of the football and volleyball games. He loved sports and dinners were eaten in the living room on the nights when Sumo was broadcasted on television. He couldn't miss any of his favorite Sumo wrestlers matches. However, Ken believed his most important roles were the protector and provider of his family. Even in his last days his greatest concern was ensuring his wife Joan, of 65 years of marriage, would be cared for. The last month before his passing, Ken was fortunate to live at the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home. Entertaining and welcoming, he was affectionately referred to as "Mr. Aloha" by his fellow veterans and staff. Ken's legacy lives through the Aloha he gave to us; always with a "story" to share, a song to sing or a shaka to give out. The words he would want you to remember is that, "With Aloha, every day is a good day" and he lived it. He is survived by his wife, Joan; Children: Kalen (Rod), Kevin (Lezley); Grandchildren: Kohl (Kari); and Brothers: Roy (Ginny) and Michael (Lorraine). Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel. Visitation begins at 9:30am and services at 10:30am. Private burial services to be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Family requests no flowers.