Obituary for Francis Jerry Kaniaupio
Francis “Frank” Kaniaupio, 81, of Kapolei, Hawai’i passed away on August 30, 2020 in Kapolei, Hawai’i. Francis was born on January 18, 1939 in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
He served in the Army from 1956 – 1959 in Germany. Francis was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 3 Union Hawaii District. He was a heavy equipment operator, a business agent for the union and a truck driver. He retired from Grace Pacific Corporation in 1997. Francis loved the ocean and would spend many days swimming and camping with his family. He was an avid canoe paddler for various canoe clubs but spent most of his paddling career with Ka Mo’i Canoe club on the island of O’ahu. He participated in many Hui Wa’a competitions as well as the Moloka’i Hoe. Francis loved his family and would spend countless hours with his children and grandchildren. Francis loved life and enjoyed every moment he was blessed with. He is preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Odetta Kaniaupio.
Francis is survived by his daughter Wendy (Carlos) Kaniaupio-Crespo, son Gene Kaniaupio, his hanai daughter Denise Puanani (Daryle) Staggs; 9 grandchildren – Ashia (Lanson) Kaniaupio-Siazon, Justin Kaniaupio-Crespo, Matthew Crespo, Victoria Kaniaupio, Kristen Kaniaupio, Tina-Jean Kaniaupio, Breanna Pohaikealoha Staggs, Brandi Puamana (Fernando) Gonzalez, Bethany Hokulani Staggs and 14 great-grandchildren.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, celebration of life for Francis with be held later.
He served in the Army from 1956 – 1959 in Germany. Francis was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 3 Union Hawaii District. He was a heavy equipment operator, a business agent for the union and a truck driver. He retired from Grace Pacific Corporation in 1997. Francis loved the ocean and would spend many days swimming and camping with his family. He was an avid canoe paddler for various canoe clubs but spent most of his paddling career with Ka Mo’i Canoe club on the island of O’ahu. He participated in many Hui Wa’a competitions as well as the Moloka’i Hoe. Francis loved his family and would spend countless hours with his children and grandchildren. Francis loved life and enjoyed every moment he was blessed with. He is preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Odetta Kaniaupio.
Francis is survived by his daughter Wendy (Carlos) Kaniaupio-Crespo, son Gene Kaniaupio, his hanai daughter Denise Puanani (Daryle) Staggs; 9 grandchildren – Ashia (Lanson) Kaniaupio-Siazon, Justin Kaniaupio-Crespo, Matthew Crespo, Victoria Kaniaupio, Kristen Kaniaupio, Tina-Jean Kaniaupio, Breanna Pohaikealoha Staggs, Brandi Puamana (Fernando) Gonzalez, Bethany Hokulani Staggs and 14 great-grandchildren.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, celebration of life for Francis with be held later.