Fasimoli Lilivale Tapuloa

Fasimoli L. Tapuloa, also known as Moli, Fasi, and lovingly as Papa. He is survived by the love of his life and beautiful bride of 42 years, Jacinta F. Tapuloa, their children Andrew, Lilivale, Brian, and his 11 grandchildren, his sisters, brothers, and countless nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Edward Toele Tupuola and granddaughter Janessa Faliu Tapuloa.

Fasimoli was born to Lilivale Laeli, in the breathtaking village of Faleasao, Manua American Samoa. He was raised in Tufu by his maternal grandfather, Chief Fa’aleveleve (Saulo) Tapuloa and his birth-from-the-heart mothers Femoliaitala Uiagalelei and Tanumiameaumaileafa Seumanutafa.

As a strapping young man, Moli, worked the family plantation, he was an avid deep sea fisherman, and a good swimmer. The intense work he learned from childhood assisted him in his adult life, as he served 32 years with Davey Tree. His love for fishing followed him to the states and was a part of the hobbies he enjoyed even up to his last breath. He also delighted in tending to his rose bushes that bordered his front yard and cultivating lemon and lime trees in his backyard. He definitely had a green thumb.

Moli, was a man of few words, but when he spoke it was both impactful and sincere. He was a frugal man who really rode on the fine line of being cheap, as his wife would say. While many today read labels on food products or household goods, Moli’s attention was on the price tag. The price tag determined whether the item was placed back on the shelf or in the shopping cart. He was known to wear the same things over and over again, though he had a wardrobe fit for a king. He had a reputation of coming to anyone’s house wearing a set of slippers and leaving with a totally different pair that was better than his. Though he was frugal, he was generous in giving to his family and anyone in need. Moli, borderline on cheap not stingy, for he was well known for providing aid whether it was for gas, groceries, rent, school tuition, and faalavelaves.

Moli, was a sentimental man. Earlier this year the last of his mother’s generation passed away. Sober with the realization that he and his generation were now the elders and his children and their generation currently is the next generation to be elders. He took the position as “elder” seriously and with a sense of duty. He preferred that his name would never be shortened on important documents or applications, because his name represented his family, his heritage of which he was proud to represent and be a part of.

Moli, suffered from COPD for years and eventually lost the fight against this disease. The morning of July 13th, 2017, Moli struggled to get comfortable and his breathing was grave and restricted. In the wee hours of the early morning, he and his daughter Lil worshipped God by doing prayer. His breathing became graver and by late afternoon, Moli entered eternity. For the family he left behind, it sure was a hard day and one that will be etched in our hearts and minds, as a day our one of a kind, unforgettable, leader went home. We love you beyond words, Fasimoli Lilivale Tapuloa and you will be truly missed!