Gustavus M. Supe Jr.

Beloved father and husband, Gustavus Mahoahoaokahoaokalani Supe Jr, of Kailua, Oahu, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024 at the Castle Medical Center. He was born on February 12, 1934 on Hawaii island in the town of Hilo to the late Gustavus Mahoahoaokahoaokalani Supe, Sr. and Isabelle Keli’ikuewa Akini.

He was a proud graduate of the Kamehameha Schools class of 1952 where he was lovingly referred to as “Gus-Gus” and “Honey”. He participated in the rifle team, concert glee club, band, cheerleading, swimming, Reserve Officer Training Corps and led his class as song leader, to name a few.

After high school, he became an OSC Beaver Believer graduating from Oregon State College in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.

Gus entered the active-duty Air Force on February 28, 1958 and graduated from primary and basic pilot training in 1959. He also attend KC-97 co-pilot training that same year and flew the “Stratofreighter”, which was an aerial refueling tanker for jet fighter planes like the F-84, F-100 and F-101. While serving, he attended the advanced survival school, the Pacific Air Forces’ Jungle Survival School and the Advanced Flying course. Besides being a transport pilot, Gus also served as an Air Operations Officer.

Among the decorations Gus earned during his illustrious Air Force career are the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one oak leaf cluster (OLC), Combat Readiness Medal, the Air Force Longevity Medal with three OLC, National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two OLC, Air Medal with one OLC, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with one OLC.

After more than 21 years of dedicated and honorable service, he retired as a Major on 1 July 1979.

Gus is predeceased by his (wife) Stella (Melnick) Supe, (Son) Gustavus Supe III, (daughter) Michele Supe, and (brother) Charles Supe Sr. He is survived by his daughter Lianne P. Supe of Kailua and sister Maureen Thibadeau of Hilo, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Hawaiian Memorial Park, in Kaneohe, Hawaii; Public Visitation from 9 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; Public Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m.

Private family committal with military honors to follow at 1:00 p.m.