Joseph John Bommarito's Obituary
Joseph John Bommarito, Jr. age 77 from Wailuku, passed away on July 27, 2020 at Maui Memorial ICU from Leukemia. Joe was born on April 3, 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri to Carolyn (Clarke) and Joseph John Bommarito, Sr. At age 16. Joe moved with his mother to Southern California where he eventually attended Southern California University at Long Beach. He graduated in 1966 with honors receiving his BS Degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for several aerospace companies and retired in 1999 after 30 years with Aerojet in Azusa to fulfill a dream to move to Maui. Having played in various bands he searched for and found a place with Kevin, Sheldon, and Ikaika Brown. Joe was honored to play bass for Kevin and Ikaika in the 2000 Slack Key Festival in Lahaina. He went on to accompany many community events and eventually started a recording studio, Ola Na Mele Productions to record and preserve traditional Hawaiian music. Joe got a major honor this spring when he learned he was on the final ballot for a Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Engineering on Hawaiian CD "Legacy The Brown Family" Kevin, Ikaika, and Kaena Brown. While he did not win, he was so happy to be recognized for his labors of love. Joe is survived by his wife of 33 years, Joann (Thomas); his daughter Tari Bommarito-Coop (Robert) and son Tony Bommarito (Jana): predeceased by his son Joseph J. Bommarito III (Deanna); 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Joe loved Maui. He loved riding his motorcycle, body surfing, playing his piano, and talking on his "Ham Radio". He enjoyed giving back to the community. Mostly he loved playing music. Many of you will remember Joe providing sound systems around Maui and many years for Picnic for Poki after Bruddah Poki passed. He went on to accompany many Maui musicians, started a live sound business providing sound for many community events. Joe was loved by many: family, extended Ohana and will be remembered as Maui's rocket scientist bass player. A celebration of live will be held at a further date.
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