Samuel Kaialiilii Kamaka Jr.

Early in the morning of March 15th, just months short of his 100th birthday, Samuel Kaiali’ili’i

Kamaka Jr. passed away peacefully at home in Kane’ohe of natural causes, surrounded by

family and music.

Samuel Kamaka Jr., patriarch of what is regarded as the world’s finest family of luthiers,

maintained a high standard for quality in craftsmanship throughout the years, and never

wavered from it. Kamaka Hawaii is synonymous with the ukulele, the instrument cherished and

strummed all over the world. This Native Hawaiian family owned business, celebrated its 105th

anniversary in 2021.

Samuel was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on June 18th, 1922 to Samuel Kaiali’ili’i Kamaka Sr. and

May Josephine Akeo. He pursued his post high school education at Washington State

University and also served in the United States Army from 1945 - 1947. In 1954, when his

Father Samuel Kamaka Sr. fell ill, he left his Doctoral studies in Entomology at Oregon State

University, to return to Hawaii to care for him. Following his fathers death, Samuel Jr.

re-established the family Ukulele business, which flourished under his leadership for over 50

years. He instilled the family tradition of quality in craftsmanship to his children and

grandchildren.

Devoted to St Ann's Church for over 60 years, he spent many years spearheading the famous

St. Ann’s luau’s and carnival’s. Every Sunday he tuned the instruments prior to mass for the

“God Squad”, a music group full of youngsters. Still serving his church in later years, he was

active with the Knights of Columbus, Honolulu Serra Club and the Holy Name Society.

Although a 1940 graduate of St. Louis High School, he was a proud member of the

Kamehameha Schools Alumni Glee Club for over 50 years, where he shared his love of music

and song.

He received numerous awards and honors throughout his life for his achievements.

Samuel met the love of his life, the late Geraldine Barthelemy in 1953, and were married for 58

years.

He is survived by sons Chris (Ranette), Casey (Vicky), Kelly (Mahinalani); daughters

Catherine Gambino (Thomas), Paulette Taylor (David), Malia Kamaka, Jennifer Concepcion

(Jon); Brother Fred Kamaka Sr, 17 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren and nieces and

nephews. Their union produced a legacy of love and music that will endure forever.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at dignitymemorial.com.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday June 8th at St Ann’s Church in Kaneohe. Visitation

and a time of sharing Sam’s “life journey” will be from 9-11 am., mass will be from 11-12. An

additional visitation will be held in the evening at St. Louis High School from 4-8 pm. A private

family burial is planned.