Abraham Panoke

1938 - 2025

Abraham Panoke "Papa"

April 23, 1938 ~ October 16, 2025

Born in Nanakuli, Oahu, Hawai'i

Abraham Panoke "Papa", 87 passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025 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.

Papa was born on April 23, 1938 to William Panoke and Emma Cummings of Nanakuli, Oahu, Hawai'i. He was raised with 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.

Papa married the love of his life, Dolores Peila Panoke, of Wahiawa, Hawai'i 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.

Papa was invited to Church at the age of 13, baptized in Ma'ili Beach just north of Nanakuli and made history becoming the first LDS missionary from Nanakuli to represent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Southern Far East Mission in Taiwan.

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 education at the Church College of Hawai'i (AKA BYU Hawaii) and graduate studies at BYU Provo. He taught multiple generations of families leaving a lasting impact of integrity, honor and excellence in his students.

Hailing from the Rainbow state, Papa believed rainbows were a BRIDGE between heaven and earth. He was a BRIDGE between people, cultures and communities connecting, supporting and upholding the values of faith, family and community through 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

The "Papa Aloha Fund" Venmo @Papa-Aloha-Fund was created to cover fresh flowers and leis from Hawai'i.

With Love and Aloha
The Panoke Ohana