Florencio Lawrence Cabanilla's Obituary
Lawrence Cabanilla AKA Boss, AKA Uncle Lawrence, was born on April 28, 1944, at Pioneer Mill Company Hospital in Lahaina. He was greeted in heaven on November 6, 2025 by his parents Juan Sr and Doris Cabanilla, son Lawrence Lorenzo Cabanilla, grandson Lawrence “Zano” Cabanilla-Leopoldino, great-grandson Tayden Cabanilla-Okano, brothers Arthur, Juan Jr, Randy, Donald Cabanilla and sister Leonora Carpio.
He is loved and greatly missed by his wife of 60 years, “Becky” Cabanilla; his children, Lorry (Sham) Vierra, Alicia (Busta) Leopoldino, Melissa (Randall) Cabanilla-Okano, Letitia (Harold) Cathcart-Cabanilla and Surficia (Kekoa) Mowat; along with his 14 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren, brother Nathan (Alicia) Cabanilla & sisters Priscilla (Bob) Mikell and Karen (Elmer) Coloma.
A proud graduate of Lahainaluna High School, Class of 1962, Lawrence demonstrated diligence and determination from a young age. His strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit carried him through life as he established multiple businesses in his beloved community, where he was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need even if it meant just to talk story and share his mana'o: Cabanilla Repair, Cabanilla Lahaina Shell, Cabanilla Body & Fender, Lahaina Towing, Kwik and Kleen Washerette, and LB Farm.
He is remembered as a teacher in every sense of the word passing down skills and knowledge through farming, fishing, hunting, mechanics, problem solving and life’s many lessons, always with patience, humor, clarity and a strong belief that when you walk with “God” all things are possible. His love, wisdom and guidance live on through the many lives he touched.
Wake and Visitation will be held at Nakamura Mortuary on January 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with continued visitation and Mass at Maria Lanakila Church on January 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
His ‘Ohana humbly invites family and friends to join in lunch and sharing of your memories at the Lahaina Jodo Mission following the services.
Lawrence will always be remembered for his strength, kindness, unwavering work ethic, and deep love and respect for all life from Mauka to Makai; and for his love of family, friends and his Lahaina community. His legacy lives on through generations, and he will always be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
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