William Neil Rapozo Sr.

William Neil Rapozo, Sr., was called to the Lord on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, surrounded by his family.  He was born on December 7, 1931, in Hanamaulu, Kauai.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Gloria Rapozo, In-laws, Joseph & Georgina Nunes, brothers-in-law Donald Nunes and Clesson Ching, sisters-in-law Linda Rapozo and Jessie Sam-Fong.

He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years Mildred Nunes Rapozo, son William “Bill” Neil (Cynthia) Rapozo, Jr., daughters Susan (Roger) Caires, Diane Rapozo and Dale (Norman) Matsuura.  Neil was the oldest of 5 siblings, Grace Ching, Marie (Ronald) Victorino, Thomas Rapozo, Raymond (Maureen) Rapozo.  Grandchildren Teresa (Randall) Nero, Tisha Rapozo (Chris) Soares, Clyde (Tyra) Caires, Keith Caires, Samantha Matsuura, Michelle Matsuura; 16 great grandchildren and 17 great-great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Neil began his career working for the Lihue Plantation Company in 1950.  He was a supervisor in Irrigation, Planting, Harvesting & Experimentation.

In his early years, he worked second jobs with Achors & Grayline as a driver of stretch-outs and buses. In 1972, he along with his son, Bill and brother-in-law Donald became the Chevron Dealer of Kapaia Chevron and later as the dealer for Lihue Chevron on Rice Street until it’s closing in 2000.  Following his Chevron retirement, he joined Kauai Commercial Company/A&B as a truck driver delivering cargo throughout the island of Kauai.

He was a member of the Hawaii Wing Civil Air Patrol serving on CAP Emergency Services missions, flying as a pilot or crew member in air searches, disaster relief operations, radio communications, homeland security operations and tsunami warnings. He was involved with Kauai Ballroom dancing and the Hanamaulu Community/Neighborhood Association.

His celebration of life is Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Church. Visitation begins at 8:30 AM with Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial to follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens.

The family would also like to express their deep gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Monty Downs and the Kauai Hospice staff for providing exceptional care and making his final days at home comfortable.  A big mahalo to the staff at Lihue Fire Department, Agency on Elderly Affairs, Wilcox Memorial Hospital, American Medical Response EMS, and Stay at Home Healthcare Services.

Kauai Memorial Gardens assisted the family with arrangements.

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