Peli Leulu passed away on October 4, 2021. He was 79 years of age. Peli was born on July 31, 1942 in American Samoa to Mr. Leulu and Akenese Gaoteote.
As a young man, Peli grew up in the Catholic faith in the village of Afono, American Samoa but when he became an adult in California he joined and worship the Lord with the Assembly of God Church. Peli loved the Lord, and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. He attended school in Afono. Peli relocated from Afono to Santa Maria, California. In 1970, he reloaded to Santa Ana, California where he met the love of his wife Talalupe Faasasalu Pola. After 2 years of dating, Peli and Lupe married and began their family. Peli and Talalupe raised two boys, Faatilua (aka) Lua and Wayne. They also added to their family an adopted son, Joe O'Brien.
After relocating to Corpus Christi, Texas, they were blessed with a baby daughter, Akenese. Also, they added to their family, Aliiao Tufono and her children, especially July and her family. Another youngman they were instrumental in being parents to is Jonathan Damas. Also, Ioka Leituala, who was a dear sister to both Peli and Lupe. She proceeded Peli in death. Peli was a loving and kind man that had a big heart to love others. He was known to many as "Pops." Peli loved his family. He spent most of his life working to provide for his family. Peli loved his grandkids. He spoiled his grandkids Keanu, Niko,Nevaeh, Onyx, and Onyka. Peli stayed busy at home when he was off work, cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning inside and outside of the home. He was the yardman, and the pool man. He was also the chauffeur for Akenese, Keau and Niko. He loved decorating their home with any Island paraphernalia such as pictures of the American Samoan's flag, pictures of the sun rising on the beach reflecting palm trees, and pictures of the sun reflecting o the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Peli also loved hanging up pictures of Talalupe and the boys travel to support Troy.
Peli maintained his connection to his Samoan culture by watching Samoan videos. He would watch Samoan Flag days from the current year to past years on a daily basis. Peli was not much on traveling but would travel to the Pomele Family Reunion. He can be seen laughing, hugging, eating, and dancing with many family members during the reunion. In the last 4 year of his life, he encountered health issues but he continued to fight to stay strong for his family. In the last days while in the hospital, he shared with his nurse that he was ready to go to Glory.
Peli left behind his lovely wife, Talalupe, sons Lua, Wayne (Ashley Joy), daughter, Akenese, five grandkids, Keanu Lua, Nikolao Siliamaleatualii, Nevaeh Amor, Onyx Presley, and Onyka Talalupe, adopted sons Joe and Jonathan, his nieces Lelei and Leilani Brown, the Polamalu Family, the Pomele Clan, the Leituala Family and a host of family and friends.
There will be vistation held on October 29th at Guardian Funeral Home from 4-8pm. A prayer service will be held on October 30th at 10am.
