He was born on January 28, 1962 in Vaotu'u, Tongatapu, the fourth of nine children, to Sione Vei and Manusiu'ifanga Pupu'a. He spent most of his life in Salt Lake City, Utah before officially planting his roots in Phoenix, AZ in 2002.
Vungakoto was a devout Christian with an unwavering faith and love for The Lord. He was a lay preacher in the Tongan-American Free Wesleyan Church. He had a passion for Boxing and enjoyed volunteering as a boxing coach and teaching his grandkids his good old "1-2-3" boxing combo. Just last year, he was able to pour his love of boxing into establishing a gym in Tonga, aptly named “Tokonaki Pe ‘E Sihova Vaotu’u Boxing Club & Fitness,” taking the name from Genesis 22:14, Jehovah-jireh (The Lord will provide.) He was dedicated to giving back to his village, especially the youth of Vaotu’u. His faith in God and his fighting spirit carried him, not only through life, but through his battle with cancer. He left this life peacefully knowing that his faith in his Lord Jesus Christ will bring him life eternally.
He was the beloved husband of Ofa Pupu'a; A devoted Father to Tiala (deceased), Kalisi (Futa Kale), Teliza (Ofa Kale), Kristiana (Sione Koloamatangi), Seinilupe (Sione Siketi), Ariana, Kafoa, and Taukie; A proud Grandfather to 16 grandchildren, and a loving brother, uncle, and friend to many.
A traditional Tongan nofo’aki putu where family, friends, and church groups can come pay their respects and pray with the family will be held Thursday, March 13 at 5238 S 44th Street, Phoenix (Soni Anau’s Residence); wake service, Friday, March 14, 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3104 W Glendale Ave, Phoenix; viewing and burial service, Saturday, March 15, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm, Green Acres Cemetery, 401 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale.
