Sa’u Tulima Fialua Sanele Anitelea
1952 – 2026
Our beloved father, Fialua Sanele Anitelea, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at his home in Turlock, California. Fialua was born in Satuimalufilufi and was raised in the Catholic faith throughout Samoa, where his parents faithfully served as Catholic Deacons as ordained ministers in both Upolu and Savai‘i. In the early 1970s, he made Lalovaea his home, living there for much of his life alongside his parents and seven siblings. He was a proud graduate of Chanel College and later served as President of the Chanel College Old Pupils’ Association for a few years. During his high school years, he was actively involved in athletics, particularly rugby, and developed a lifelong passion for commerce. He pursued studies in Accounting and Marketing, with Mathematics as his favourite subject. Known among his peers as intelligent and diligent, he excelled academically and carried that dedication throughout his life.
In 1986, he married our late mother, Lucia Leone Toomalatai Anitelea, and together they were blessed with six children. He worked as a tour guide at Aggie Grey’s Hotel for over 20 years, where he took care of his parents and served his family and church. In later years, he worked as a Salesperson for construction companies before retiring. In late 2006, he relocated with his wife, children, and mother-in-law—our late grandmother Lalago Rosa Tuilagi—to Faleula, Samoa, on our Scanlon family land. There, he remained deeply devoted to his Catholic faith and to his family. He was a dedicated parishioner of St. Andrew’s the Apostle Parish, where he served as the first President of the All Men’s Group. He generously gave his time to numerous church committees and fundraising initiatives, including supporting the Parish Youth Group. He faithfully served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, assisting in the distribution of the Eucharist during Mass. He was also a responsible and trusted member of the Offertory Committee, faithfully dedicating his time each Sunday. He rarely missed the 5:00 a.m. Mass. He was devoted to his faith especially during Lent, with attendance at the Stations of the Cross every Friday and Fasting. During this sacred season, we feel his absence even more deeply.
Fialua found joy in simple pleasures—playing cards, watching movies, tending to outdoor chores, and sharing fellowship with family and friends through church and family gatherings. He especially loved cooking alongside our late mother, preparing meals for our family as well as during our family events and celebrations. He will be remembered for his steady presence, servant’s heart, humility, and deep love for his family and faith. Fialua is survived by his two sisters, Olita Aiono and Susana Maloa, and his two brothers, Tualetonu Eneliko and Seiloa Paletasala Anitelea. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lucia Anitelea; his son, Herman Visesio Anitelea; his parents; his parents-in-law; and his siblings, Sina Anitelea, Vaifale Solofa Anitelea, and Masimo Anitelea.
A viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and a Rosary from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Allen Mortuary.
A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at All Saints Catholic Church, Turlock, CA, with interment to follow at Ceres Memorial Park Cemetery 1801 E. Whitmore Avenue, Ceres, CA.
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