Manabu "Monk" Kobayashi's Obituary
Manabu Kobayashi was born on December 7, 1934, in Puunene, Maui to Fuji Akagi Kobayashi and Yoshio Kobayashi. "Monk" died on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, in Kahului. He was 88 years old.
After graduating from Baldwin High School, he joined the U.S. Army, where he served from 1953 to 1956. After the Army, Monk worked for the Los Angeles Police Department as a mechanic for many years before moving home to Maui with his wife, Joan.
He was predeceased by his parents, by his sister, Ellen Moniz and brothers Yoshimasa, Masayoshi, Rudy, Tom and Chiaki.
Monk is survived by his wife, Joan Kobayashi, and two brothers: George in Los Angeles, and Hitoshi (Lucy Kobayashi) in Wailuku. He has several nieces and nephews in Minnesota, in Arizona, in California and Maui.
We truly appreciate Khonnie Villanueva and her family who patiently provided quality care and support for Monk. And we thank the service providers of Hospice Maui who offered comfort and dignity to Monk throughout his final weeks.
Private services were held at the Maui Veterans Cemetery. No Flowers or Koden please.
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