Erman Kaelamakuli Fujinaga, 90, of Somerville, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston on Nov. 30, with his wife by his side.
Born in Haleiwa, Hawaii, on May 21, 1927, he was the son of Enichi and Makae Rosalina Kahelahela Fujinaga. Upon graduating from Waialua High School he served in the U.S. Army in WWII. He worked most of his life as a carpenter mason for the Carpenter’s Union in Hawaii until he was 68. He then worked for the USDA at the Honolulu Airport until he was 80. At that time he moved to Somerville to live and experience the peace and quiet of nature and the woods where his wife was from. He enjoyed 52 years with his wife, Claudia.
Erman enjoyed running marathons, and boxing, and excelled at all forms of sport. In retirement he found great joy in his garden. He acted as a father and mentor to many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was a kind, humble man who was greatly respected by all whom were fortunate to know him.
He is survived by his wife, Claudia Ruth Pignolet Fujinaga of Somerville; son, David Fujinaga Allen and wife Patricia of Hawi, Hawaii; nieces who he raised as his own daughters, Annette Lau, Harolyn Tantog, and Lauretta Sewaki; and many nieces and nephews.
A candlelight memorial service for Erman will be held at 4 p.m., Thurs., Dec. 7 at South Somerville Baptist Church, 8 Hewett Rd., Somerville. Interment will be at Queen Lili’uokalani Church in Haleiwa, Hawaii.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to South Somerville Baptist Church, 8 Hewett Rd., Somerville, ME 04348.