Birth date: Oct 12, 1965 Death date: Jun 9, 2019
Joel Tracey Pi’ilani Camacho Neeley, 53, of Kailua, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2019. She was born in Honolulu on October 12, 1965. Joel was a graduate of Kamehameha High School (‘83), and obtained undergraduate and graduate d Read Obituary
I worked with Joel in the ASUH student senate at UH. She was the nicest person I ever met or worked with. Her smile lit up every room and her laugh was like music. I was a dopey teenager, and worked (too hard) to make jokes so I could see that smile or hear her laughter. But she was smart and strong, too. I have told my two daughters about her, and when we watch Moana, It makes me a little sad, because the main character reminds me a lot of Joel. I treasure my memories of her....
Growing up in Hauula 2nd Ward, Piilani was the most beautiful person I had ever seen. Her mom was our Sunday School teacher and of course Piilani was perfect. I can be honest now, I went to class just to see her. We were friends, church friends. Her smile lit the room and the sky. After 40 years nothing has changed.
The last time I saw her I was 18, had just returned from Navy bootcamp; she was working at Ala Moana in a clothes store. I bought a white jacket from her. Did I need the jacket? no. I just wanted an excuse to talk to her. The skies are darker now.
Even though I have 4 grown children, 9 grandchildren and a beautiful wife. I have never seen a smile like hers since. Now I never will. I'm more than sad.
To Sister Camacho and Ohana my deepest prayers are with you. My God. My heart breaks and I knew her briefly, yet there is comfort in knowing we learned the same gospel at the same time and like everyone we share the same destiny. I am sorry, but sometimes the universe makes a mistake. This is an obvious one. I am fortunate to say I knew her.
I met Joel at Jean’s belly dance class. It has been many years since I last seen/spoken to Joel as I no longer dance but I remember her kindness and her joyful gentle spirit. My condolences to the `Ohana and may the knowledge that Joel has touched many and will be remembered give you some peace.
Beautiful cousin Pi'ilani, never without a smile. Now in the arms of Angels.
To Ulu and and ohana, may God wrap his loving, comforting arms around you. What a wonderful Keli'i reunion it will be in heaven when Jesus comes to take all of us home.
Aloha pumehana, Blossom
I met Joel over 12 years ago when she signed up for my dance class. Possessing a keen sense of self, focus and attention to detail – Joel progressed quickly and her enthusiasm became a part of the living energy in our classes. Joel would welcome and encourage newcomers and, as her technique improved, offer help to others with less experience. Her intelligent wit, independence, sensitive awareness, and spiritual nature, was a consistent yet subtle influence for the class and troupe. There are no words to describe the heartfelt satisfaction and joy of seeing Joel’s own beautiful signature in dance. We will treasure and celebrate those wonderful experiences Joel gave to us and keep her alive and warm in our hearts. May John and `Ohana find comfort in knowing that Joel inspired many in our unique group to emulate her gracious persona. 💚 =j
My condolences to Joel’s beloved ʻOhana for their untimely loss. Joel has always been an Angel; Beautiful inside and out. Kauʻilani nō . . . Piʻilani has truly joined the ranks of heaven.
As a former colleague from Pacific Beach Hotel, I am surprised and saddened to hear of Joelʻs passing. She was the epitome of health and positive intentions. Always full of Aloha and Kōkua for others, Joel shall always be remembered fondly. Iʻll never forget her beautiful mele and demeanor. Pure beauty and Aloha! Flying with Angels as it should be . . .
Nou kēia manaʻo: “He mele nō kuʻu aloha e . . . uē ka lani.”
Aloha a hui hou kuʻu Tita ❤️
Forever your brother Kekoa
