Uperesa "Tony" Tuia'ana Letuli

UPERESA TUIA'ANA LETULI - "Tony"

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, Uperesa Tuia'ana Letuli, of West Chester, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home, Monday, September 17, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Betty (Cantrell) Letuli, his children, Cindy Letuli of Oceanside, CA, Gina (Jeff) Kirker of Liberty Township, OH, Melissa (Jeff) Van Winkle of Lebanon, OH, sister, Lupelele (Saleutogi) Letuligasenoa, of Oceanside, CA, brother Misionare Uperesa of Oahu, his grandchildren, Jordan (Caitlin) Kirker, Samantha Kirker, Kailani (Joe) Overton and Luke Van Winkle, his great-grandchildren, Koa Overton, Jaxon Kirker, and a soon to be born Kaleo Overton, a son, Keith Ah Yuen of Honolulu, HI, daughter, Mona (Buick) Tu'ua of Oceanside, CA and their (7) children and (13) grandchildren.  He was also blessed with numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Uperesa (Tony) was born on June 25, 1939 in the village of Ili'Ili, Pago Pago, American Samoa to the late High Chief Tafu Tuia'ana Letuli and Vasepepa Uperesa Letuli.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Toloa'i Letuli, Iosefa Letuli and Leasauasu Letuli, and sisters, Malelega (Pita) Leasau and Tafelefele (Toese) Sagapolutele.  He remained close to and enjoyed a recent month long visit with his surviving sister, Lupelele (Saleutogi) Letuligasenoa.  He grew up in Ili'Ili until his high school years when he moved to Honolulu, HI and then Oceanside, CA where he graduated from high school. He joined the US Air Force immediately after and was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH.  It was there he met Betty and they were married on March 9, 1963.  They celebrated their 55th anniversary this year.

As a young husband and father, he worked various sales jobs until eventually building a career in the insurance industry where he retired as District Sales Manager for United Insurance Company. He also started at a young age singing, playing guitar and fire dancing in a Polynesian group before eventually forming his own group called Chief Letuli and the Royal Polynesians. He was also an avid golfer and loved playing as often as he could.

Uperesa (Tony) was a long-time member of Tri-County Assembly of God in Fairfield, OH.  Because of his walk with God, his life embodied faith, peace and joy in His promise of eternal life.  He was the backbone and strength of his family and was loved and respected dearly by not only his wife and children but his extended family and friends as well. Although he will be greatly missed, we are comforted knowing he is at rest with Jesus and someday soon we will see him again, in Heaven.

A memorial service will be held Monday, September 24, 2018 at Tri-County Assembly of God, 7350 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield, OH 45014. Visitation 12:00 - 2:00 pm, Service @ 2:00 pm.

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