Anthony Wayne Kaleo'onalani Kuni

On June 19th, 2024, Anthony Wayne Kaleo’onolani Kuni, was called to his place in Heaven by the Lord. Peacefully and in the company of family, he passed away at the age of 65 years in Las Vegas, Nevada. Known affectionately as Tony, he was a loving father (grandfather, even great-grandfather!), loyal brother, faithful son, wise uncle, and true friend. His life was dedicated to humble service to his family, friends, and community and always wearing his famous smile.

He was born to Solomon and Carlena Kuni in the small town of Wahiawa in the Territory of Hawaii on April 24th, 1959. After graduating Leilehua High School, he enlisted with the US Air Force as an airplane mechanic in 1977. Tony traveled the world during this time from Homestead AFB in Florida to Ramstein AFB in Germany and more providing excellent maintenance for the notoriously complex F-4 Phantom fighter jet. His outstanding performance would earn him the rank of Technical Sergeant. He also ‘served’ in another fashion through volleyball, quickly making a name for himself as a player and coach, leading his team to many victories in interbase tournaments.

After his adventure through the wild blue yonder, Tony moved on to the next chapter in life in California. It was here he met and eventually married his beloved wife Marinili (Joji) in a small ceremony in Bellflower. Tony was quick to apply an analytical mind and mechanical prowess and found himself often doing odd jobs as a handyman. Much to the chagrin of Marinili, however, he often would generously fix anything for the low cost of the price of parts and a case of beer. His skills grew as carpenter, plumber, flooring installer and more. Tony regularly volunteered his skills with the festivals at their local parish, St. Dominic Savio, as well as with devotees for the Santo Nino. For his family and friends, he opened the doors of his home as a place of solace and respite.

Coincidentally, Tony found himself working in a blue uniform for the vast majority of career. Trading the USAF Class B uniform for a polo shirt with Bayless Stationers in La Mirada, California, his caring approach to customer service and attention to detail quickly earned him promotion to a Lead Supervisor from a driver. With enthusiasm, he continued with the company through its transition to Corporate Express and finally to Staples after over 25 years of exceptional performance. He then moved out to Las Vegas and again donned a blue ensemble, this time with Sam’s Club Tire and Battery. He was a favorite of regular customers and they wished him well when he finally retired in 2021. The friends at work he made along the way stayed together through it all and beyond, thicker than thieves and twice as fun.

Ever the consummate sportsman, Tony enjoyed knocking down pins in bowling and catching waves on his surfboard. To this day he still has his patch from bowling a 299, quite a feat! Any chance he could, Tony would go “holoholo” (Hawaiian for “travel”) and enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. In fact, his two sons as well as his extended family of friends, were his regular pupils as he taught them to fish at places like Green Valley Lake or camping up on Big Bear in San Bernardino. He often played the links with his friends from work and loved to follow the careers of up and coming golfing talent like Tiger Woods back in the day. To any willing ear, Tony would offer his expertise and coaching.

In every gathering and celebration, Tony was always the life of the party. His skill at cooking lechon (roast pig) in the traditional Filipino way was called upon for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and more. Whether it was at that little peach house with the teal awnings on Rosecrans Avenue in California or the backyard at his Las Vegas home, he loved to share his love of Hawaiian music and cuisine. Tony loved to play old-time artists like the Beamer brothers and Brotha Iz to newcomers like Iam Tongi and Kolohe Kai. Tony lived life to the fullest and brought out the best in others through dancing and especially “talkin’ story” (Hawaiian slang for spirited conversation). Life, for him, was best shared with people around food and music.

“Aloha” is a Hawaiian word often used as a greeting but encompasses many aspects of the human experience: love, affection, peace, compassion, or mercy. Tony’s life absolutely incorporated the concept of “Aloha” every day in his dedication to his family, friends, and community. He would always offer eager hands, a sharp eye, and a quick wit to give aid to anyone. His passion for life shone brighter than the sun over Oahu, and this light is reflected in the many lives he touched.

Tony is survived by his wife, Marinili, his sons, Christopher and Joseph (Kristiana), his daughters from a previous marriage Amanda Jenkins (Andrew), Leslie Kuni, and Christina Rodriguez (Anthony), his nine grandsons, one granddaughter, and one great-granddaughter. He is lovingly remembered by his siblings Jody Murphy (Russell), Jerome, Austin (Terry) and Josette Hethcote (David), countless other relatives and friends, and his little dog Misty. Through them, his legacy lives on.

A celebration to Tony’s life will be held on July 5th, 2024, at Palms Mortuary Southwest at 7979 West Warm Springs Road, Las Vegas, NV, 89113. Reception begins at 5:00 PM with a service at 7:00 PM. In accordance with his wishes, Tony will be taken back home to his old childhood stomping grounds in Haleiwa, Hawaii. On October 18th, 2024, his ashes will be scattered a few miles offshore from Ali’i Beach, to join his mother and father.

The family would like to thank the staff of Comprehensive Cancer Center of Nevada, San Martin Hospital, and Infinity Hospice for their compassionate care of Tony.