Abraham Panoke's Obituary
Abraham Panoke “Papa”, 87 passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025 at the William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“Papa” had the purest of hearts, an ever-loving nature and embodied the spirit of Aloha throughout his life. He is best described as “Jesus with a Ukulele” always smiling, singing, playing his ukulele and making music with his friends.
NANAKULI. Papa was born on April 23, 2025 to William Panoke and Emma Cummings of Nanakuli on the west side of Oahu, home to the largest Native Hawaiian community in the islands. He was raised with his siblings Philomina Kaea, David Kaea, Albert Panoke, Raymond Kane, Aileen Ho'ola'i Kane, Kenneth Panoke and Howard Panoke on Pua Ave, Lot 69 in Nanakuli.
His family lived through the bombing of Pearl Harbor and were proactively involved in the immediate response and rescue efforts. Years later, Papa served in the United States Air Force.
FAMILY. Papa met the love of his life, Dolores Peila Panoke, of Wahiawa, Hawai’i, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple Auguest 9, 1974. He was a devoted husband of 51 years and a loving father to Melvin Ray Kaleo Okalani Panoke and Sui Lang Lili’uokalani Pumehana Panoke and grandfather to Kaleila Dae Relle Ka’iulani Alaka’i Wren, Kalani Reef Willam Abraham Panoke and Noa Mauka Kole Panoke.
FAITH. Papa was invited to Church at the age of 13 and was soon after baptized in the blue ocean waters of Māʻili Beach just north of Nanakuli. He was an active member of his faith community and made history becoming the first LDS missionary from Nanakuli to represent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was assigned to the Southern Far East Mission, studying Mandarin-Chinese in Hong Kong and served in the Taipei Branch in Taiwan. Abe and Peila, would later serve as English Teachers in Brigham Young University’s China-Teacher Program, serving one year in Nanjing and another year in Guangzhou.
COMMUNITY. Papa could always be found in a book. He had a love for reading, learning and teaching and built a career of 60+ years as an educator in Hawai'i and Utah. He studied English and Reading at the Church College of Hawai’i (AKA BYU Hawaii) and pursued graduate school at BYU Provo. He taught multiple generations of families leaving a lasting impact of integrity, honor and excellence in his students.
A BRIDGE. Hailing from the Rainbow state, Papa believed rainbows were a BRIDGE between heaven and earth. He, himself, was a BRIDGE between people, cultures and communities. He connected, supported and upheld the values of faith, family and community through embracing his Native Hawaiian culture, heritage and ancestry.
He was a silent BRIDGE. Papa was never about Papa. He was always about “How can I serve?” He served with no expectation of recognition and always with the unconditional love for those whom he served and served with.
The Panoke Family extends our deepest gratitude for the love, support and prayers we have received during this tender time. 🙏
We invite family and friends who knew Abraham Panoke “Papa” to join us in honoring his Life and Legacy of Aloha 🌺
November 12, 2025
Sandy Midvalley Stake Center
1106 East 8050 South (Old Dairy Road)
Sandy, UT 84094
5:00 pm Viewing
6:00 pm Program
7:00 pm Reception
Mahalo to everyone who has sent cards and gifts of support. In lieu of sending flowers, we created a "Papa Aloha Fund" Venmo @Papa-Aloha-Fund to cover fresh flowers and leis from Hawai’i.
With Love and Aloha 🌺
The Panoke Ohana
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