Kahului, Hawaii - Ernest Teppang Sagayaga, 80, of Kahului, Hawaiʻi, passed away peacefully on January 10th, 2026.

Born on November 8, 1945, in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, Ernest was the son of the late Valentin and Maria Sagayaga. He spent his younger years working as a carpenter on Maui, a trade through which he built not only homes, but a life rooted in hard work and dedication. After a serious car accident leaving him disabled, Ernest embraced a new and meaningful role as a full-time caregiver to his children, lovingly raising them in the home he proudly built with his own hands.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Cora Manglicmot Sagayaga, and their children Janice (Alfred, Jr.) Acopan, Edgar (Michelle) Sagayaga, and Joyce (Craig) Hirayasu. He was a proud grandfather to Shaye (Jacob) Espania, Zachary Sagayaga, and Jayden Sagayaga, and is reunited in heaven with his beloved granddaughter, the late baby Cayla Sagayaga and daughter-in-law, Tammy Yoshimura Sagayaga. Ernest is also survived by his brothers Martin Sagayaga and Simeon Sagayaga, as well as sisters in law, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his sisters-in-law Paz Sagayaga and Cion Sagayaga.

Ernest will be remembered and forever missed for his quiet strength, deep love for his family, and the dignity with which he met every season of his life.

His celebration of life will be on Monday, February 9th, 2026, Christ the King Parish, 20 W. Wakea Avenue, Kahului, HI 96732. Public Visitation: 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m., Eulogy: 10:00 a.m., Final Viewing: 10:30 a.m., Mass: 11:00 a.m., 12:30 pm Burial -Maui Memorial Park Topside.

We would like to give gratitude to the Maui Fire Department, Emergency Medical Service, the ER and Maui South doctors, nurses at Maui Memorial Medical Center, Nakamura Mortuary, Maui Hospice, Ralph Domingo, APRN, and Marisa Domingo for all of your patience, support, energy and time for our dear "Ernie".