John Paul Samia's Obituary
It is with great sadness, the family of John Paul Mahal Teiano Kameapau Samia announce his unexpected passing on June 22, 2023 at the age of 27 years.
John Paul Mahal Teiano Kameapau Samia, also known as JP, was born on July 12, 1995 in Pago Pago, American Samoa (AS). His parents were John Poleta Samia Jr and Moemoe (Laufau). At a very young age, JP lived an active free-spirited life at home in Iliili. He received the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation at Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker (Fagatogo, AS), Fatuoaiga Cathedral (Tafuna, AS) and Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala (San Diego, CA) respectively.
As an infant, JP struggled with respiratory problems that sent him to the Emergency Room numerous times. The life long presence of asthma countered by persistent treatments did not deter him from following a life he dreamed of. JP pursued many interests: swing choir shows, martial arts (i.e., Capoeira, Kung Fu) and sports (i.e., baseball, rugby). He played the ukulele, rode waves on his boogie board, and did jump tricks with his skateboard or bike. JP baked cookies/cakes, cooked meals, and relished sampling regional dishes and cuisines.
JP’s formal education began at a Christian school in Fatumafuti, AS. He attended a number of schools between AS and Honolulu, HI. After completing the eighth grade, JP moved to San Diego, CA and enrolled at Patrick Henry High School. He later transferred to James Madison High School and graduated in June, 2013. After high school, JP held jobs ranging in fast food, retail, junk removal, car detailing, clinic patient rep, and medical billing. He completed training at Hawaii Job Corps and graduated from Hawaii Medical College. JP aspired to be his own boss and worked as an independent seller while holding a full time job. Recently, he created custom AI designs and novelty t-shirts on Etsy, BustArtDesign.
In January 2016, JP dated Sarina Lannan and proposed to her on Christmas Day, 2017. In August 2020, he and Sarina left Honolulu for Reynoldsburg, OH with their cats, Bondi and Enzo. They later welcomed Buster, a Newfoundland pup, into their family. They acquired a 2021 Cherokee Grey Wolf trailer and initiated their nomadic life on the road. With fur babies in tow, they covered the southern states, gulf coast of Flori-Bama, and west coast. Securing remote online jobs provided freedom to explore and experience state parks, campgrounds, beaches, restaurants and festivals. Sometimes relatives visited them along the way. JP enjoyed documenting their adventures on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
John Paul’s outgoing personality combined with a blazing dimpled smile, soft-spoken voice, and infectious laugh exuded his friendly nature. With diverse interests, JP seamlessly shared his experiences with family, friends, and acquaintances. Whenever JP’s name was mentioned around the family, there was an automatic hint of a smile and giggles. Holidays and family events usually brought JP back to San Diego each year. JP made time for family video chats filled with spontaneous jokes, stories, and laughter. Every call ended with goodbye waves and shouts of “love you” and “see you later” farewells. We will see you later JP and look forward to your dazzling smile, giggles, and gentle hugs one day.
John Paul is preceded in death by his father, John Poleta Samia Jr. He is survived by his mother, Moemoe Laufau Samia. Brothers: Jerry (Yvonne), Robert (Claire), Deiano (Jay), Michael (Susana), and Charles Matthew (Kristyn). Sisters: Yonne (deceased), Lilinoe, Paulette, Annie, Emele, Kayla, and Moira. Nephews: Jameson Cole, Levi Sage, Moeilemoana; and niece, Zoey. His fiancee, Sarina and fur babies: Buster, Bondi, and Enzo. And numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
Instead of floral arrangements, John Paul’s family is accepting monetary donations to care and support his family and fur babies. Please contact Lilinoe Samia for information at [email protected]
What’s your fondest memory of John Paul?
What’s a lesson you learned from John Paul?
Share a story where John Paul's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John Paul you’ll never forget.
How did John Paul make you smile?