Phillip Canano Gragas' Obituary
Kahului- Phillip C. Gragas, 94, of Makawao, passed peacefully at Kahului Hale Makua Nov. 6,
2024 with son Perry at bedside.
Phillip was born Aug. 24, 1930 in the plantation town of Hakalau, Territory of Hawaii to Genaro
and Felipa (Canan) Gragas, 1 of 13 children. In 1948 he enlisted in the Army National
Guard which lead to active service in 1952 with a duty assignment in Germany. Once a member
of the 11th. Infantry Regiment, he earned the Expert Infantryman Badge. 4 years after his
discharge, he married Mildred “Millie” Takamatsu, Jan. 18, 1958 in Honolulu. They were
inseparable until Millie’s death in 1995.
He was creative, artistic, loved jazz, played the sax and ukulele.
From the sugar cane fields off the Hamakua coast, military service, hospital worker, restaurant
cook, construction laborer; Phillip always provided for his family. A proud father to 5 boys,
grandfather to 14. Many memories that just make you smile. He will be lovingly remembered by
his family.
Phillip is survived by sons Dickie Saranillio (Jeanne Franco), Guy Saranillio (Debbie), Pat
Gragas (April), Perry Gragas (Mary Ann); granddaughters Nichole Takara (Ryan), Melissa
Rodrigues (Ronald), Emily, Anna, Claire, Samantha, Angel; grandsons Cory Saranillio (Casi),
Drew Saranillio (Ai), Dean Saranillio (Heijin), Justin Saranillio (Lisa), Blake, Tyler, Sebastian; 11
great grandchildren, 1 great great granddaughter.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Pamela Hope of Kaiser; Hale Makua Kahului, especially the
East Wing staff where he received terrific care for the past 8 yea
A beachside family gathering will take place before Phillip is reunited with Millie.
What’s your fondest memory of Phillip?
What’s a lesson you learned from Phillip?
Share a story where Phillip's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Phillip you’ll never forget.
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