Robert "Bobby" Tetsuo Shimabukuro's Obituary
Robert “Bobby” Tetsuo Shimabukuro
November 9, 1943 - June 6, 2022
Robert Tetsuo Shimabukuro, 78, of Pukalani, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on June 6, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Robert was born on November 9, 1943, in Makawao, Maui to Sutetsu and Kama (Higa) Shimabukuro. Robert and his siblings grew up in Old Kailua.
After graduating from Maui High School - Hamakuapoko campus in 1962, Robert completed a 2-year Sheet Metal program and started his career in the construction industry. During his employment at Durant-Irvine Company, Robert was drafted and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged, Robert later returned to the Sheet Metal profession and after 35 years in the trade, retired from Dorvin D. Leis Company in June of 2001.
During his retirement, Robert was a faithful and devoted member of Faith in Jesus Church in Wailuku. At the age of 68, Robert graduated from the inaugural class of Wailuku Door of Faith Church’s Transformation School of Ministries with an Associate of Applied Science in Ministry Studies in June of 2012. Robert found great joy in serving the Lord and found his true calling in serving others. Robert also cherished spending time with his beloved family and friends, and in his free time, Robert enjoyed working on cars and tending to his garden.
Robert also enjoyed traveling with his family and friends. His travels included Florida, California, Nevada, Illinois, Alaska, Okinawa, and the Holy Land. Robert was looking forward to attending his 60th class reunion in Las Vegas later this year with his classmates.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Marion Tengan Shimabukuro; daughter, Jenny Shimabukuro (Ross Ohigashi); grandchildren, Tyson Omura (Marcie Miyagawa), and Tiara Omura; great-grandchildren, Kyson and Kylie Omura; sisters Dora Yukiku Watanabe, Hazel Okawaki, Elsie (Tom) Nakasone, Naomi Shimabukuro, brother-in-law Kenneth (Suzie) Tengan and sister-in-law, Karen Tengan and many nieces and nephews.
Robert was predeceased by parents, Sutetsu and Kama Shimabukuro; brothers, Eichi Ishikawa, Larry Eishin Ishikawa, Shuei Shimabukuro; sisters, Hatsuko Ishikawa, Jane Toyoko Sakugawa and Stella Sumiko Nishibayashi.
Robert’s family would like to thank Hospitalists, Dr. Calderon and Dr. Osapay; Surgeon, Dr. Lugo, the many nurses and staff members of Haleakala South at the Maui Memorial Medical Center, Islands Hospice, Pastor Barbara Tengan, Carol DeMello and Robert’s Faith in Jesus Church family and his many friends for their prayers, love and support, and visits during his illness.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Faith in Jesus Church, located at 432 Waiehu Beach Road, Wailuku, Maui. Visitation will be at 10:00 am, with services to follow at 11:00 am.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert "Bobby"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert "Bobby"?
Share a story where Robert "Bobby"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert "Bobby" you’ll never forget.
How did Robert "Bobby" make you smile?