Vaela’a Maloata Tuilefano

Vaela’a Maloata Tuilefano, 77, of Avondale, AZ died on March 14, 2016. He was born June 18, 1938 in Malaeloa, American Samoa to Savaauli and Tusifolau Tuilefano. Vaela’a joined the United States Marine Corps and served for over 21 years. While serving in Vietnam, he earned many medals, most notably the Bronze Star with “V” device as well as a Purple Heart. Upon retiring he returned to American Samoa and became a local senator. He was also the Commissioner of Public Safety, liaison to the Governor of American Samoa and an Elder Deacon CCCCAS. Vaela’a is survived by his wife Painuulasi; daughters Victoria Liaiga and Titoaana Tuiteleleapaga; sons Val, Wesley and Lloyd Tuilefano and eight grandchildren. A funeral service was held 4:00 pm, Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 918 S Litchfield Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85338. Interment will be in American Samoa.