Born in Honolulu, HI to David Kahu Kealoha Jr. and Mary Akana, Rupert grew up in Papakolea as the fourth child among six children: Raymond, Ronald, Rodney, Rheda, and Piilani, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1963.
After returning home to Hawai’i in 1968, Rupert worked at Longs Drug before becoming a City and County of Honolulu bus operator retiring in 2015 after 39 years. An active member of the LDS church, he served in the bishopric and high council of the Waipahu Ward and supported youth activities.
Family always came first. He enjoyed Thai food, traveling, playing basketball, and watching late night kung fu movies.
Rupert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mindy Oi Kealoha and brothers Raymond and Ronald Kealoha. He is survived by daughters Uilani Chung (Herman), Shanna Scates (Sean), Sabrina Sivongxay (Phouvieng), and Javelin Kealoha; nine grandchildren Chelsie Smyth (Griffin), CeraJenneth Espiritu, DezmenHoward Espiritu, Jasmine Chung, Joseph Poha Sivongxay, Jonathon Sivongxay, Braunson Kealoha Kiko Kam (Cierra), Skylin Kealoha-Moniz (Royce), and Jade Xanee Sivongxay; eleven great grandchildren Julius, Braizlyn, Blazeden, Hennessy Reign, Journey, Bella Blue, Bailey Rose, Evelyn, Brayzen, Jericho, and Edmund (expected 12/2026); and siblings Rodney Kealoha, Rheda Kiupe, and Piilani Brown.
