PATOLO ULUGIA's Obituary
Vaotuua Patolo Ulugia, born on August 18, 1952 in Western Samoa to Ulugia Seneuefa Paulo Fagaio and Ikenasio Matau, passed away unexpectedly on June 25, 2020 in San Diego, California. He was raised by his Auntie Vasati in Alamagoto and spent much of his childhood years with his mother’s family in Vaimoso and Vaiusu. During his teen years, he was raised by his maternal great uncle Fata Taulia and wife Epenesa in Afega, learning the values of family, respect, and “tautua”. It was also during this time he became an avid boxer and frequently sparred at Fealua’i Ma Uso in Apia, where he trained and won several boxing matches fighting under the name “Liuneta”. He moved to American Samoa 1974 where he worked as a Water Treatment Operator at Starkist, a fisherman, and taxicab driver. He would eventually move to the US and was a resident of San Diego for more than 25 years and resided in Maryland for 8 before moving back to San Diego. He worked as a Stock Clerk at Target for 14 years before retiring in 2017.
Vaotuua Patolo was a devoted, hardworking father and grandfather who never missed a milestone/event in his children and grandchildren’s life. He was known for his infectious smile, outgoing personality, sense of humor, and unwavering faith in God. He had a compassionate spirit and giving heart.
A respected and loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather, he will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 23 years, Moeifaga Sagale; his three daughters, from his previous marriage to Saini Maiava: Ruta S. Tapuolo, Fa’afetai F. Ulugia, and Saini M. Maiava; grandchildren: Samoanagalo R. Ulugia-Tapuolo, Seneuefa A. Ulugia-Tapuolo, and Malaetulotooleva’atele H. Ulugia-Tapuolo; his stepfather Papaliitele Fagaio (New Zealand); sisters: Ninah Papaliitele Peleti (Australia), Fululupe Tautai Fata (Samoa) and Atoa Ah Fua (Samoa); brothers: Iakopo Ikenasio (American Samoa), Paulo Paulo (Australia), Koneferenisi Papaliitele (New Zealand), Tausaga Papaliitele (Australia), Semo Papaliitele (New Zealand), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Aserota Fata Taulia (WA, US).
Ona fetalai atu ai lea o Iesu ia te ia, “E moni, ou te fai atu ia te oe, o le aso ta te faatasi ai ma oe i parataiso.” – Luka 23:43
Matou te loto ina ia outou iloa, le au uso e, e uiga i e o momoe, ina ne’i outou faanoanoa, pei o isi e leai so latou faamoemoe. Aua afai tatou te talitonu ua maliu Iesu ma toe tum ai, e faapea foi ona aumaia e le Atua faatasi ma ia e o momoe ona o Iesu. – 1 Tesalonia 4:13-14
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