Steven Joseph Jacunski's Obituary
Steven Joseph Jacunski passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, surrounded by his wife and 3 daughters. 24 years earlier, on October 18, 2001, Steve had suffered a level 4 brain aneurysm, which he was not expected to survive. Steve not only survived, but flourished, and lived to see his daughters graduate from high school, graduate from college, dance with all 3 at their respective weddings, and enjoy a few years with his grandson, Stanley (who was named after Steve's father).
Steven Joseph Jacunski was born on September 15, 1951, in Lynn, MA and moved with his family to Ipswich in the early 50’s, where he lived until he graduated high school (Essex Agricultural & Technical Institute) in 1970, specializing in arboriculture.
In 1976, he moved to Hilo, Hawaii (the Big Island). He met his future wife, Jill, in Hilo in 1981 and they started a tree service business (Jacunski’s Complete Tree Service) that same year. They were married on July 4, 1983.
In 2003, they sold their business so that he could spend more time with his 3 girls, taking them to their various activities (ballet, hula, volleyball, soccer, basketball, ROTC, etc.). He used to say (jokingly) that he wanted to go back to work so he could take it easy…
Steven was a member of the International Society of Arboriculture, was on the Hawaii County Arborist Advisory Board (1998-2002), had served as a Director of The Boy's & Girl's Club (2004-2009) and was a proud member of the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay for almost 33 years and served as the President in 1999-2000.
Survived by his wife of 42 years, Jill, and 3 daughters, Keola (Justin) Taka-Jacunski, Kapualani (Ryan) Jessee, and Kanani (Michael) Last. Grandson, Stanley Taka. Nephew, Adam (Sabrina) Jacunski and 2 great nephews, Addison (Julia) Jacunski and Andrew Jacunski of Virginia.
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