Joseph De Reis Capellas' Obituary
Joseph De Reis Capellas of Hilo, Hawaii born on January 11, 1948, died peacefully on January
31, 2025 after a brief illness. He was 77 years old.
Joseph (“Joe”) was the son of the late Eugene S. Capellas, II and Adeline Capellas. Joe was
the grandson to Eugene Capellas, a Hawaiian State Senator known for his efforts in support of
the statehood of Hawaii and tireless advocacy for the advancement of education.
Joe excelled in athletics and held basketball records at the Saint Joseph’s High School. He
received the Letterman star in both basketball and baseball. He attended Saint Martin’s
College in Washington State before he transferred to the University of Hawai’i at Hilo to
complete his B.A. in Sociology. He worked in hospitality at the Naniloa Hotel and as the
Director of a homeless shelter. He is remembered by the community for having his own
construction business and inspiring individuals at Kulani prison through his case work with
adolescents. Joe’s interests and service eventually brought him full circle, taking him back to
the University of Hilo Hawai’i where he taught skills for the restaurant business. He loved to
dress up as “Santa Claus” and Elvis Presley. His compassion knew no bounds.
He is survived by his beloved daughter, Natasha Capellas, Esq.; siblings, Sister Grace Jose
Capellas of the Sisters of St. Francis; Elizabeth McPherson; Eugene (“Buzzy”) S. Capellas III;
Charmaine Ka-ipo; (Ron Ka-ipo); nieces: Dr. Lisa Ponce (Chris Ponce); Terry Capellas-Larson;
Adelina Wise (Jeremiah Wise) and; grandniece, Avery Ponce; grandnephews: Micah Larson;
Brendan Figueroa; Blaze Figueroa; Kia’aina (“Aina”) Wise; Akoni (“Anthony”) Wise; his fiancee
Kapiolani (“Lani”) Medina-Weigert; and Valerie Takata, the mother of his daughter.
The family will hold a “Celebration of Life” TBA at Coconut Island.
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