Alfred P. Balasbas' Obituary
Alfred Palesin Balasbas (1927–2025)
Alfred Palesin Balasbas, 98, of Ewa Beach, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025 surrounded by his children. A long time local of Hawaii. Alfred’s life was defined by hard work, dedication to his country, and a deep love for his family.
Born on July 30, 1927, in Kahakuloa, Maui, to Vicente and Candelaria Balasbas, Alfred grew up in Maui then moved to Honolulu where he finished high school. He worked his way through business school graduating from Honolulu Business College. He was drafted in the United States Army in 1945, where he served as an enlisted man in Germany. After being discharged he worked as a clerk with the United States Government in Okinawa. It was during his time in Okinawa that he met the love of his life, Frances Mew Ching Lee.
The couple returned to Honolulu in 1953. They lived in Aiea and Waipahu where they raised their five children, Fulton, Alan, Warren, Wendy, and Cindy before eventually settling down in Ewa Beach for their retirement. Alfred dedicated over 35 years to the U.S. Customs Service at Honolulu International Airport. He rose to the rank of Captain/Supervisor, a significant milestone as one of the highest-ranking Filipinos in the service at that time.
Outside of his professional life, Alfred had a number of interests and hobbies. He was an avid fan of boxing, Notre Dame college football, and a gifted gardener. He spent his time tending to his greenhouse where he grew hundreds of orchids.
He is survived by his sons, Alan and Warren; daughter, Cindy; sister, Josefa; 11 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Frances, son Fulton, and daughter Wendy.
Service Information:
Visitation: January 5, 2026, at 6:30 PM, Mililani Memorial Park, Mauka Chapel.
Funeral Mass: January 6, 2026, at St. Joseph Church, Waipahu. Visitation begins at 11:00 AM, Mass at 12:00 PM.
Burial: To follow at Mililani Memorial Park.
In honor of Alfred’s spirit and his 98 years of life, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society.
Donation can be made at these links
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