MELVIN SUGANUMA Obituary

MELVIN SHIRO LAWEA SUGANUMA May 11, 1930 to August 16, 2023 Melvin Shiro Lawea Suganuma passed away on August 16, 2023, at 93. He was born in Papakolea to Maria Ka'ahanui Lono and Raymond Noboru Suganuma. He grew up with siblings Bernard*, Lawrence*, Herbert*, Raymond Jr.*, Doris*, Brickwood* and Doreen. Mel played basketball for McKinley High School, graduating in 1948. He continued to play in outside leagues and was invited to play in Japan for a Hawai'i all-star team. In 1950, he married Nancy Ku'ualoha Kanoho. They had three children: Raynard, Raynette, and Raymond. Dedicated to supporting his family, he worked "down under" in Kwajalein for five years as a pipefitter. Upon returning from Kwajalein, Mel and Nancy bought a home in Halawa Heights. In 1978, Mel married Shirley Agua Bortfeld and the family grew with the addition of her six children: Darryl, Donna, Deena*, Cindy, Shirley and Billy. Mel's passions were basketball, UH football tailgating, and golf. One of his favorite memories was traveling with his brothers to see his nephew, Lawrence "Tamo" Suganuma Jr.* play in the 1967 Sugar Bowl for Wyoming. A proud Plumbers & Fitters UA Local 675 Union member for over 60 years, Mel worked his way up from apprentice to journeyman pipefitter, retiring as a business agent in 1998. He spent his final years at The Plaza Moanalua, where he was known as Mr. Aloha. Mahalo nui loa to the staff and residents for making the Plaza a real home. Mel leaves behind his sister Doreen Suganuma, his first wife Nancy Ku'ualoha Suganuma, son Raynard Suganuma (Vicki), daughter Raynette "Sugi" Suganuma-Carlson (Paul), and son Raymond "Nobu" Suganuma (Lisa). He is also survived by the Bortfeld children, including John Darryl Bortfeld (Cynthia), Donna Keli'inoi (Alfred), Cindy Low, Shirley Simao (Mark), and Bill Bortfeld (Joanne). His legacy continues with 20 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. *Predeceased The celebration of life for Melvin Shiro Lawea Suganuma will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, at the Mililani Mortuary Makai Chapel. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m., with services from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a Hawaiian lunch. Flowers and lei are welcome.