Sa’u Tulima Fialua Sanele Anitelea
1952 – 2026
Our beloved father, Fialua Sanele Anitelea, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at our home in Turlock, California. Fialua was born and raised in Samoa, his parents served as Catholic reverends and missionaries in both Upolu and Savai‘i. He attended Chanel College and later served as President of the Chanel College Old Pupils’ Association. During his high school years, he was actively involved in athletics, particularly rugby. He pursued studies in Accounting and Marketing, with Mathematics as his favorite subject. He is 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 and later worked as a Salesperson for construction companies before retiring in 2010.
In 2006, he moved with his family to Faleula, Samoa. There, he remained deeply devoted to his Catholic faith and 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 a trusted member of the Offertory Committee, dedicating his time every Sunday.
Fialua enjoyed playing cards, watching movies, tending to outdoor chores, and sharing fellowship with family and friends. He loved cooking alongside our late mother, preparing meals for family events. He will be remembered for his steady presence, servant’s heart, humility, and love for his family.
Fialua is survived by his daughters, Jennifer(Jaime), Theresa, Elisapeta, Sina and his son Jeremiah Ierusalema(Grace) Anitelea. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lucia Anitelea, his son, Visesio Anitelea, his parents, parents-in-law; and siblings, Sina Anitelea Mila, Vaifale Solofa Anitelea, and Masimo Anitelea.
A viewing will be held from 5:00pm-6:30pm, and Rosary from 6:30pm-7:00pm on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Allen Mortuary. A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at All Saints Catholic Church, Turlock, CA, with interment to follow at Ceres Memorial Park Cemetery.
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