Taniela Vatuniloka Patetefa Fangupo Faifatongia-he-Lotu

December 28, 1945 - March 6, 2016

Taniela Vatuniloka Patetefa Fangupo "Faifatongia-he-Lotu” Passed away peacefully at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah on Sunday, March 6th , 2016 at the age of 70. He was surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren/great, siblings, many nephew/nieces, and church members until his last breath at 11:37 PM. Vatuniloka was born on December 28th, 1945 in Kolofo’o, Tonga to Sinalelea and Patetefa Fangupo. He married Heilala Tu’itupou of Kolomotu’a, his sweetheart in 1965. Vatuniloka is survived by his wife, Heilala Tu’itupou Fangupo; children, Mele Vunivola Takai (Amanaki), Taniela Ma’u Fangupo (Alica), Mele Tangikina Sekeni (Tu’uta), Polisia Peni(Tanumafili), Tevita Fangupo (Florence); siblings, Kauvakahiva Patetefa (Veilomani), Ana Moala Kinikini, Nofo Paea Hafoka, Pua Taisia Fifita (Viliami), Lopetisoni Fangupo (Toaila), ‘Ilaisaane Tupou Lotaki (Daunibau),and 25 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by Taniela Patetefa Fangupo Jr. (Son), Sinalelea Patetefa (Mother), Patetefa Fangupo Sr. (Father), Lopelini Hafoka (Sister), Tevita Faingamoevalu (Brother), Heilala Fuahala (Aunty), ‘Ahiahi Ma’u (SisterCousin),Senituli Kinikini (Brother in law). Wherever Vatuniloka went, all eyes were on him; from the way he talked to his shades, to his leather jacket. Basically, just the way he dressed he was known for…always looking fresh. He had so many challenges in Life but he stuck to his faith in God. The grandchildren of Vatuniloka, stand before you all as part of our grandfather’s lineage in an effort to commemorate his life as best as we can. First and foremost we would like to give thanks to God for the wonderful life he has granted our grandfather, and also for the peace of mind he has given our family. We do not wish to mourn his death, for we know our grandfather would rejoice in seeing his loved ones gathered together here this day. We should all find comfort in death when reading revelation 14 verse 13 that states, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Thank you to all who've shown love to him, for words cannot express the appreciation we hold within my own heart. Let us all remember Taniela Vatuniloka Patetefa Fangupo as a loving, caring, and faithful man to his family, church, and the Tongan community. A funeral is scheduled for Sunday, March 13th, 2016 at 8pm - 12am at the Laumalie Ma’oni’oni Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, located at 1553 W Crystal Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84119 . A Monday morning viewing will take place at the same location at 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Taniela Vatuniloka Patetefa Fangupo’s life. Interment will be at Redwood Memorial Services are under the direction of Peni Malohifo'ou of Serenity Funeral Home The family would like to thank the Staff of the Neuro Acute Care Unit at the University of Utah Hospital for their dedication and efforts. “Na'e to hono kakala mei he Ta'ahine ko Pilolevu 'o ui ko FaifatongiaheLotu, ke ne tauhi mo tali'a Falelahi 'oka nau ha'elea 'a Laumalie Maonioni 'i he Ano Masima.” Rev. Havili Mone.