Keoni Gabriel Kaaiawahia

Keoni Gabriel Kaaiawahia passed away peacefully in his sleep at home alongside his devoted wife Allie on September 6, at age 54. Keoni was born on September 1, 1967 in Beaufort, South Carolina to the late Virginia (Virgie) and Gabriel (Chief) Kaaiawahia. He attended Fullerton High school and later went on to college earning a BS in Electronics Engineering. He worked with and for HUD for 24 years.

Keoni met the love of his life, Allie, at a wedding in 1996, when he caught the garter, she caught the bouquet and they had their first dance. Her sister Pat Tager, a guest at the same wedding, saw it all happening in front of her and predicted that a marriage would ensue. Keoni proposed 4 days after their first date, and they married on December 31, 1997. Keoni said every year on New Year’s Eve it would feel like the whole world was celebrating their anniversary with them. When asked about the first kiss before he proposed, Keoni loved to tell the story of the “fireworks” we each individually heard but could see nothing in the sky nor identify the source; Keoni said “I know what that is, I believe the gates of heaven just opened and angels wept.”

Keoni is survived by his adoring wife Allie, the lights of his life godsons Jon and Ian Walsh, and goddaughters Emily Walsh and Aly Walsh Espindola. Additionally, his sisters JoJo, Lani, Pat Tager, Katie Walsh, Allison Terrill, and Linda (Doo) Paglia; and brothers Timo, Phil (Philip) Gomez, Steve (Go) Gomez, Chris (Cal Man) Califano, and Jason (Jay) Osborn.

Keoni was known by friends and family for his all-encompassing love (always putting his wife first), humor, beaming smile, empathy, warm hugs, teaching, nicknames, unwavering patience, love of animals, calculus, comics, physics and Vegas; artistic talent, travel adventures, romancing his Allie, blasting his tunes, and love of Maui, Hawaii which will be his final resting place among his ancestors.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on September 29, at 10:30 A.M. with Eulogies following at 11:15 A.M. in the church located at 400 West Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, California 92832.