Samuel Awailua Tong

January 26, 1954 - August 19, 2022

Samuel Awailua Tong, the father and patriarch of his family, passed away peacefully at the age of 68 on Friday, August 19, 2022. In his final days, he was surrounded by his loving family at his home in Hawaii Kai.

Samuel “Sam” was born on January 26, 1954 in Honolulu, Hawaii as the youngest of four children and the son of Sing Hung and Harriet Kunane Tong. Sam was a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, class of 1972, where he was an active officer in Jr. ROTC and as a natural athlete, he lettered in football, basketball, and track and field. Sam was an All-Star lineman in high school and college football. He continued his education and football career by studying and playing at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Sam graduated with a degree in Japanese after serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints near Tokyo, Japan.

After college, Sam entered the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) as an Agent at the Honolulu Field Office. As a Native Hawaiian-Chinese agent, he was a trailblazer as he climbed the ranks of the USSS in Washington D.C. He served on a variety of details and departments within the USSS, which included protecting several U.S. Presidents, U.S. dignitaries, and foreign dignitaries, either on U.S. soil or abroad. After returning to the Honolulu Field office to finish a stellar federal government career, he then retired from the USSS after 25 years of service. His retirement from the USSS lasted a weekend, as Sam held several positions as the Head of Security for several private companies and private citizens over the years.

His amazing legacy of service, dedication, perseverance, and aloha lives on through his devoted wife, Kristy Stromer Tong; his children, Amy (Mike), Amos, Ammon (Kim), Anna (Micah), Adam, Austin, and Anela; his ten grandchildren (Tyson, Samuel-Arnold, Emalia, Brennan, Ryan Awailua, Owen, Sarah, Gem, Mahina, and Raymond Awailua); and his brothers Norman (Shirley) and Randy (Blossom). He is preceded in death by his infant son Aaron Awailua Tong, his sister Mary Charlotte (Jay) Larson, who passed away on August 17, 2022, and his beloved parents Sing Hung and Harriet.

Sam loved music and he loved playing various instruments like the double bass, guitar, and ukulele. His beautiful tenor/bass voice brought tears to everyone’s eyes when he would sing “Queen’s Jubilee” at his family’s events and weddings. Sam loved tinkering and staying busy, whether it was with woodworking, fixing up his old Chevy truck, yard work, or hiking up Koko Head. Something he picked up at the USSS was his love for travel. He enjoyed traveling and going on adventures, like hiking up to Macchu Picchu, as well as the Annapurna Mountain Range in Nepal with his wife Kristy. Sam also made it a point to support and watch his children and grandchildren compete in a variety of sports and he always stressed the value of education to them. Sam loved his family fiercely and he loved God with reverence and faith.

Sam had a quiet confidence, friendly demeanor, and engaging sense of humor that drew people to him. Sam led by example, he was a mentor to many, and he showed that hard work and grit can be rewarded. Sam lived a brilliant, extraordinary, and full life. He was loved dearly by so many. It is comforting that Sam’s legacy and impact on the world will live on in his family, friends, and those whose lives that he had touched.

Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Visitation 9:30 a.m.; Services 11:00 a.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Hawaii Kai, 219 Lunalilo Home Road, Honolulu, HI 96825.

Burial will take place on September 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Greenhaven Memorial Park in Kaneohe, Hawaii