THOMAS KUNIMUNE Obituary

THOMAS TOMOSO KUNIMUNE The youngest of 9 children, Thomas Tomoso Kunimune was born on May 18, 1932, in Honolulu to Kosajiro and Momi Kunimune of Moiliili. He grew up to live a life of great duty, devotion, and faith. He attended Maryknoll School until the 8th grade and graduated from Kaimuki High School in 1950, where he made his best friends for life. He attended the University of Hawaii in 1951, and then went on to serve in the US Air Force in 1952. In December 1953, while based in Tokyo, Tom married Yukiko Fujii. During the following 6 years, they welcomed their two daughters. He was a devoted husband and father, doing anything he could to support and guide his family. He graduated from Denver University in 1959 with a degree in accounting. After graduating, Tom worked as an accountant in Denver before returning to the US Air Force as an auditor in Torrance, California, Tachikawa AFB, Japan, Pearl Harbor, and Hickam AFB. In 1970 he joined Kuni Dry Goods to help his family with their growing business. Serving as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Tom applied his skills to provide financial management and guidance. Kuni Dry Goods closed in 1996 and Tom retired, but not for long. For those who knew him well he could not "sit still" and went on to work for the State of Hawaii as an auditor for the Department of Human Services, until retiring in 2008. Tom was baptized into the Catholic faith in 1956. A devout Catholic, he practiced a life of faith through quiet prayer and service to others. As a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for over 40 years, he helped those in Honolulu in greatest need. He attended daily mass and cherished receiving the precious Eucharist. His favorite Saint was St. Francis of Assisi. He lived the words of St. Francis, "Your God is of your flesh, He lives in your nearest neighbor, in every man." Tom lived to bring peace to all. Tom passed away peacefully on March 16, 2023, at the age of 90, to rest with Christ in God for eternity. He was the last to pass away of his siblings. He is survived by his wife Yukiko; daughters Cheryl (Brian) Gesik and Lisa (Keith) Sakamoto; 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Hi'olani Care Center at Kahala Nui for caring for Tom during his most difficult years. We would like to especially thank Kanani for getting us through the lonely days of the COVID shutdown and Nemer for giving Tom the special care he needed with such a compassionate heart. We will be forever grateful to both of you and to all the wonderful staff at Hi'olani! Private service held. Family requests no koden (monetary gifts) or flowers.