Richard Masao Kado's Obituary
Richard Masao Kado
January 14, 1937 – August 16, 2025 (88 years)
Richard Masao Kado passed away at home on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at the age of 88.
He was born on January 14, 1937, to George Shigeki Kado and Eva Shinayo (Isonaka) Kado. His beloved brothers, George “Nobu” Kitsutani and Harold Kado, preceded him in death. He grew up in Honuapo, Big Island, and often recounted fond childhood memories of playing on the pier, sliding down sugar plantation flumes, and spearfishing in Honuapo’s icy spring-fed waters.
He met and fell in love with his wife, Nancy Kimie Taise, while they were still in grade school. They became high school sweethearts and married in 1961 after graduating from the University of Hawaii, both with degrees in Education, and were inseparable ever since. After 64 years of marriage, they were still known to hold hands or share an inside joke, and were always looking out for each other.
Early in his career, Richard was a teacher on the Big Island and on Oahu, but eventually moved to a position as a Budget Specialist with the Department of Education. He made friends everywhere he went, from the Leeward and Honolulu District schools he visited for work, to the Pearl City bike path where he would jog, to the golf course – he never met a stranger.
He had many loves: travel, playing and watching sports (golf, baseball, softball, running and swimming to name a few), Hawaiian and Japanese music, good food, and good friends. But most of all, he loved his family. His devotion to Nancy, as well as to his children and grandchildren, was woven into everything he did, planned for, and dreamed of. He is survived by Nancy, his son Kel (Helen), daughters Kendis Kado and Kory-Jo Kado-Fukuda (Brandt), granddaughters Krystalynn, Klaryssa, Kaela, Lily, Milla, and Harper, and one great grandchild. His intelligence, loyalty, humility – and surprisingly devastating wit – will be greatly missed.
Memorial Service: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Mililani Mortuary, Mauka Chapel. Visitation: 5:30 pm, Service 6:30 pm.
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