Sidney Jiro Kanno

Sidney Jiro Kanno, 75, passed peacefully on September 20, 2025 at his home in Kailua-Kona. Born on May 12, 1950 in Hilo, he was a devoted and a loving father to Kristine Kanno and Stephanie Munn.

Throughout his career and even in retirement, Dad was hard-working and dedicated. He retired after spending 36 years working as the Assistant Operations Director of the County of Hawaii, Department of Parks and Recreation, Elderly Activities Division where he had great rapport with the kupuna and strong leadership with his staff. He built long-lasting relationships with community members and organizations who continue to support the Elderly Activities Division till this day. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and his passions.

Though Dad may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of kindness, patience, wisdom, humility, and honor, and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Dad's hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He was a competitive swimmer, surfer, skin diver, and a lifelong practitioner of the martial arts – Karate, Bo, Tai Chi Chuan, and Baduanjin – and enjoyed spending his weekends keeping his yard and car tidy. His love for the ocean and outdoors was something he shared with his children, leaving a mark on us that will never fade.

He is survived by daughters Kristine Kanno (James Bunyan) of Washington, Stephanie (Todd) Munn of Oahu, grandson Makai Bunyan, sister Jo Ann (William) Taylor of Texas, cousins, nieces, and nephews as well as many wonderful friends and extended family who will miss him dearly. He is predeceased by parents Kenji "Mickey" and Shizue (Nagao) Kanno of Hilo with whom he gets to reunite.

Private services will be held. Sidney's life will be celebrated on January 24, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club (Honokohau Harbor).

We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will forever cherish.