Kia Delacerna

Muagutitia Kaleo Delacerna, better known as Kia, was born to Alauni Fina’i and Emilio Delacerna on April 23rd, 1968 in Laie, Hawaii. Unfortunately, his parents passed away at an early age, but he was blessed to be raised by his maternal grandmother, Puese Fina’i. Kia was the oldest grandchild and shared a special bond with her. It was his final wish to be buried next to his grandmother and his family has honored that wish.
In his youth Kia was athletic and active. He participated in track and played running back for Kahuku High School football team. There he graduated in 1986. Kia would often say, just as any Laie boy would, “Red Raiders 4 Life”. Few people know that Kia was a good dancer, though he rarely showed it. Anyone who witnessed his moves should consider themselves fortunate and blessed. Later in life he learned to enjoy other sports including rugby, golf, and cricket. It was his Samoan Cricket team “My Alofa Boys” that won three consecutive championships in the early 2000s.
Shortly after high school graduation Kia moved to Utah and stayed with his uncles: Fa’i, Pale, and Pisa. It was in Utah that he was reunited with his brother, Brian Delacerna, after 15 long years. Being that Brian was his only sibling they remained very close and shared a strong brotherhood. Kia always had a strong love for family which was evident in his relationships with his uncles and brother. These strong family ties were eventually extended towards friends, associates and his own household.
In 1988 while working at the Salt Lake City International Airport he met Ileni Naea, better known as Elaine. After a couple years of dating and falling in love, he moved in with Elaine’s family. He has been a part of and loved by the Naea Family ever since. Together Kia and Elaine have six children, four daughters and two sons: Miliama Fela’ia’i (Nephi Wily), Kia Jr. (Luseane Funaki), Alauni Elizabeth, Fela’ia’i Rebecca, Tofilaumua Kyana, and Jerome Taulima. After their last child was born, Kia and Elaine finally were married on February 7th, 2009. In the words of Kia, “I had to make sure she was the right one”. Like any good father, Kia cared for his children deeply with a love that multiplied with the birth of his grandsons: Kia Jr. Kūpa’a’ikaha’aha’a Kulilala, Kaimani Kawaikaheikamālie Tusitala Malcolm and Thomas Wayne Leaso Wily.
Kia worked diligently and often long hours to support and care for his family. He was employed by Sysco for 25 years working first as an outbound selector and later as a truck driver. Kia was loved by those he delivered to because of his exceptional service and fun humor. He was well known by several restaurant vendors across the Salt Lake Valley who were quick to reciprocate that love and service when he and his family would visit and dine. Kia often expressed his desire to return to work but due to health complications was unable to work the last few months of his life.
Kia Delacerna was diagnosed with lung cancer in September of 2020 which led to his eventual passing on July 4th, 2021. Although his family mourn such a great loss, they are comforted in the knowledge that he is free from suffering. Without the pain and discomfort that limited him, he can now freely watch over and care for his family from the heavens.
Service Information
Viewing July 17, 2021 at 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123





Funeral Service
July 17, 2021 at 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM