Donald James Ribellia's Obituary
Donald James Ribellia passed away on December 18, 2025, at home with his family. He was born on January 11, 1950, at Kapiolani Hospital in Honolulu to Elizabeth “Licia” and Lucio Ribellia. He attended Star of the Sea School, St. Louis School, and graduated from Kalani High School, class of 1968. He worked in construction doing drywall for a while, then decided to join a cousin and several friends in Spokane, Washington. He returned to Honolulu in the 70’s and began working in the tourism industry, mostly at Polynesian Adventure Tours. He was also a concierge at Kahala Nui Senior Living Community. He retired in 2011, and became an avid gardener. The hobby that made him happiest was music, playing the guitar, jamming with friends and singing. In later years he started building electric guitars, and worked for many hours sanding, painting and finishing them.
Donald was predeceased by his parents, Licia and Lucio Ribellia; and brother, Gerald William Ribellia. He is survived by his wife, Tenney (Emerson), son, James Arthur, sister Jacqueline Ann, and brother Lawrence Lucio. He also leaves many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all relatives, friends, caregivers, and health care providers for their compassion and support. Specifically, we are so grateful to the doctors, nurses and ancillary workers at Kaiser Permanente Hospital, who took such good care of Donald, through good times and bad.
We will celebrate Donald’s life at a funeral Mass at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Aiea, at 10 am on Friday, January 30, 2026. Visitation begins at 9 am. Aloha attire, please. No flowers, but if you would like to make a contribution, please send it to SECOH, 1001 Kamolika Blvd, #259, Kapolei, Hawaii, 96707; or to the charity of your choice.
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