Peletisara Piumafua Tauti's Obituary
Peletisara Piumafua Tauti was born on January 10, 1978 at Mercy Hospital in San Diego, CA to Peletisara Tolo Tauti and Elaine Faiai, whom he loved dearly. He was named by his maternal grandfather because he wanted to name him after the highest mountain peak (Piumafua) in the island of Manu’a, American Samoa. Peletisara, known to most as Pepe as a child, then Peleki or Pele, had a presence like no other. He attended Mead kindergarten and then Chollas Elementary schools in San Diego, CA, before his family relocated to Virginia Beach, VA in 1991. He attended Plaza Elementary and Plaza Middle schools and graduated from Ocean Lakes High School in 1996. He was involved in the drama club, girls step team and selected to attend a German academy in Virginia Beach. He was loved by his teachers and fellow students and wanted to be a German teacher. Peleki’s maternal grandparents (Vaipousa Komiti Faiai & Merita Faiai) surprised him at his graduation and later that year he decided to return home to San Diego, CA because he wanted to be with his grandparents who he loved dearly. He worked at Tower Records, Hollywood Videos then finally he was hired by Reo Vista Healthcare Center in National City, CA where he enjoyed working and spending time with his co-workers. He was such a carefree spirit who carried a natural light that could brighten any room. Whatever he did, whether he was binge watching reality shows, having lunch club get together with his aunts and cousins, spending time with his cousins on cousins day and challenging people on their music knowledge, he did it with such finesse. He loved spending time with his family and was always the life of the party at the family events. When he taught his little nephews and niece, not how to count on their fingers, but to throw up a four and a five, shouting out to Falima, he did with style. When he had disagreements with his uncles, he would make his opinion known, but follow up with an apology or peace offering that could not be denied. Peleki always followed his instincts, his heart and his love for music and dancing had no bounds. People gravitated towards him because of his energy, charisma and zest for life. On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, Peleki passed away unexpectedly and a bright light in our lives darkened. Although he is no longer with us his bright light will continue to shine everywhere and the memories of his infectious laugh and his dance moves will forever be in our hearts.
Peleki was the loving, caring, and very patient partner to Jorge Espinosa. They lived together in Tijuana, Mexico, for close to twelve years. They met after Jorge messaged Peleki on MySpace and subsequently went out on a date on December 5, 2008 at Balboa Park’s December Nights. Peleki and Jorge were a couple from that day forward. Peleki loved going out to the many spots in Tijuana, be it a hip little bar by the border to the humble taco stand down the street. They had a dog, Lola, which they both pampered. Peleki shared his energy, love of life and music with Jorge. He brought much joy, laughter, whimsy, and attitude into the relationship. Peleki was usually pushing Jorge to do things that he otherwise would hesitate to do and taught him to be more open to new experiences. Peleki was also a much-loved member of Jorge’s family, and will be missed by Jorge’s parents, sister, brother-in-law, nephew, cousins, friends, and the many aunts that adopted him as their nephew.
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