Diosdado Sereno Daclison's Obituary
Diosdado Daclison Obituary
Diosdado “Dado” Sereno Daclison, 91, of ‘Ewa, Hawai‘i, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on May 7, 1933, in Koloa, Kaua‘i, Dado was the son of Antonio and Andrea Daclison. He was raised in Waipahu, Hawai‘i, and graduated from Waipahu High School, where he met the love of his life, Esther Agravante. They were married on September 12, 1953, and their union of 72 years was one of unwavering devotion. Together they built a warm and faith-filled home in ‘Ewa, where they raised six children.
Following high school, Dado served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserves. Upon returning, he began his professional journey as a truck driver with Coca-Cola before continuing his career with ‘Ewa Sugar Plantation, later known as O‘ahu Sugar Plantation. Dado took great pride in his work and dedicated nearly 40 years to the sugar industry before retiring.
Beyond his work, Dado and Esther were pillars of their faith community. For more than four decades, they served Christ through their musical ministry at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where Dado played his beloved palangana— a washtub bass fashioned with a string and stick, producing joyful rhythms that became a hallmark of Sunday Mass. Together, they helped form the Pax Singers, who performed at church and community events, and supported the Sodality Girls, a group of teenage girls devoted to service and prayer. Dado also participated in religious processions throughout ‘Ewa and served faithfully as an usher at the 7:00 a.m. mass for over 20 years.
Dado will be remembered for his deep love for Esther and their family, his joyful spirit, and his many passions. He found delight in visiting Las Vegas, caring for stray animals (who often multiplied under his care), and nurturing his thriving garden. Dado loved playing Paiute with his family, who would gather at his mom and dad’s house in Waipahu for fun, laughter, and quality time together. An excellent cook, he was especially known for his delicious pork guisantes and bandiay-bandiay. Post retirement, he had weekly “coffee breaks” at Zippy’s Waipahu with dear friends. He was also an avid bowler, playing regularly at ‘Ewa Bowl, ‘Ewa Beach Bowling Center, and beyond.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 72 years, Esther; daughter Jocelyn (late husband John P. Willis, Jr.); sons Darcey, Rad (long-time partner Helen), Derling, and Hayden (wife Josie); 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Dado and Esther also lovingly embraced Rubin Villanueva and Becky Tubania as hanai children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Andrea Daclison; siblings Frederick (Fred/Pedic), Lily Aquino, and Robert (Sonny) Daclison Sr.; son Jantzen (“J”) Daclison, Sr. (wife Darlene); and son-in-law John P. Willis, Jr.
May Papa Dado’s memory be a blessing and his legacy live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Wake Mass will be held on Thursday, June 05, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ewa Beach.
Visitation begins at 5:30 pm and Mass 6:30 pm.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 06, 2025 at Mililani Mortuary Makai Chapel.
VisItation begins at 9:30 am and service 11:00 am.
Burial to follow, 12:30 pm at Mililani Memorial Park Cemetery.
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to the family, please visit our floral store.
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