William Saragosa, aka radio personality Wili Moku
Advertiser Staff
William Saragosa, known for more than 20 years as Honolulu disc jockey Wili Moku, died yesterday while at St. Francis Medical Center-West for a dialysis session, family members said. He was 47.
Saragosa had been battling complications from diabetes. Both of his legs had been amputated below the knees and he also lost two fingers on his right hand to the disease.
SARASOGA
Saragosa was a familiar voice on Honolulu's airwaves since the 1970s. Until his death he was working at KGMZ 107.9 FM. He also worked at KQMQ 93.1 FM.
During the past few years he was also a local spokesman for the American Diabetes Association, urging people to seek proper care and treatment for the disease.
"When he was first diagnosed (in his 20s) he ignored it, and it got really bad," said radio executive and longtime friend Kimo Akane. "He wanted to let people know you can't ignore this stuff; he decided to fight back."
The disease claimed his legs, but when he lost two fingers "he was more upset about that because he loved to play the guitar," said Karen Alcosiba, one of Saragosa's two sisters.
He did TV and radio spots for the diabetes association, as well as personal appearances.
In April 2003, Saragosa appeared with fellow diabetic Robert Cazimero on a segment of "Emme's Island Living," in which they talked about how diabetes changed their lives.
Saragosa praised Cazimero for doing the right things while calling himself "the poster boy for how not to do it," host Emme Tomimbang said last year.
He was born on March 17, 1956, in Honolulu and grew up in Honouliuli. He was a graduate of Waipahu High School.
Saragosa is survived by his daughter, Dakota; sisters, Karen Alcosiba and Linda Saragosa; brother, Michael; grandmother, Mary Villarmia; uncles and aunts; and nephews and nieces.
Services are pending.
