Tumuauatasi Suitofo Fagatele

November 10, 1946 - July 23, 2018

“Tumuauatasi" Suitofo Fagatele returned to our heavenly father on July 23, 2018, at home surrounded by his Sweetheart, children, and loved ones. Tumua was born on November 10, 1946, to loving father Aioletuna Fagatele Lea’ea of Masausi, American Samoa, and loving mother Taiva Feu’u Fagafa Togiola, of Sa’ilele, American Samoa. Tumuauatasi was enthralled by books and could always be found with a book in his hand. His deep fondness for books and their transformative thought-provoking words propelled him to a profession of education. His teaching career although spanning from various grade levels started in American Samoa at Matafao, Aua, and Alofau Elementary schools. Tumua later received a teaching position offer from the State of Hawai’i Department of Education. In search of a better life for his family, he accepted the offer and moved his young family to Hawai’i. Tumua taught a variety of subjects from English, History, and Math at various schools such as Farrington High School, Kalakaua, Washington and Jared Intermediates, Waikiki, Hawai’i Kai, and many other elementary schools on the island of O’ahu. He was later appointed by the Department of Education District office as the head of Teachers for English as a Second Language (ESL) Department. He served in various capacities representing underserved communities such as; Samoans, Hawaiians, Laotian, Vietnamese, Japanese families in school conferences, parent-teacher meetings, providing counseling and educational support. On the weekends, Tumua found pleasure in spending his leisure time teaching English to the Laotian and Vietnamese refugees who ventured to Hawaii envisioning the American dream. His passion for teaching was solidified by his students living a successful life. Tumua later moved to Taylorsville, Utah and continued his teaching career at Bennion Elementary until a fourteen-year stent with Huish Detergent Laboratory. Destined to shape future lives, he sought a career in youth counseling for the State of Utah where he retired in 2010. Tumua Tasi was proud of his Aganu’u Fa’a Samoa, and its vitality in instilling Cultural identity in the Samoan youth. Tumua actively sought out opportunities to serve his community as the President of the Nu’u O Matai or in the local kilikiti community. He married his sweetheart P. Lauama Taituave on October 10th, 1996 and was blessed with six children. Roger Sui Fagatele (Michelle Lund Fagatele), Theresa Fesili (Fa’afouina Fesili), Caroline Leo (Vincent Leo), Leroy Fagatele-Paselio, S. Lilly Taituave Fagatele, and the ui’i Tile Taituave Fagatele. Tumua has 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his: Mother; Taiva Feu’u Fagafa Togiola and Siblings; Siauto Asifoa, Siupapa Segi, Fia Feu’u “Taloü” Fagatele, Lemafoe Ne’emia, Isaiah Fagatele, Fa’atautui Sioloa, Taufusi Lea’ea. Children: Roger Sui Fagatele (Michelle), Theresa Fesili (Fa’afouina), Leroy Fagatele-Paselio, S. Lilly Taituave Fagatele, and Tile Taituave Fagatele. Preceded in death by his: Father; Aioletuna Fagatele Lea’ea, Brothers: Suani Fa’afia, and “Aiga” Tumama Fagatele, Sister: Fa’avae Tupuola, and daughter: Caroline Taiva Fagatele Leo. Services are under the direction of Peni Malohifo'ou of Serenity Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, August 10, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. at the Decker Lake Ward Chapel at 2101 West 3100 South West Valley City, Utah followed by his final service. Dad will be laid to rest at West Jordan City Cemetery, 7925 1300 West, West Jordan, UT 84088. Our family would like to extend our most profound heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Harrison, the Decker Lake Ward, our dad (Fagatele-Lea’ea/Fagafa) and mom’s (Taituave/Fauatea) families, friends, Stacy Shulof and The University Health Palliative Care Service, Dr. G. Raychel Gonzales, Rocky Mountain Home Health and Hospice, and Serenity Funeral Home.