Setefano Tauvao

Tauvao Aiolupotea Seufale Setefano Tauvao passed away peacefully with his eternal companion by his side on the afternoon of March 11, 2024 in Sandy, Utah.

Setefano was born in Motootua, Apia, Samoa on December 12, 1971 to Fonoti Ivapene Tauvao and Feagiai Tusifolau Mapuileolo.  He married Oliniviola Aiolupotea on September 15, 1996 in Hauula Hawaii, later solemnized in the Bountiful Temple.

Setefano was a master carpenter, a general contractor, and an entrepreneur who ran carpentry and catering businesses in Savaii, Samoa.  He had a great love for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He held numerous callings in the Church and was a Stake President for 10 years in the Savaii Sagone Stake.  Setefano’s last calling was as the Second Counselor of the Elders’ Quorum in his ward.  No matter the calling, he loved to serve.  He built and remodeled homes for people as an act of service and would even purchase the building materials.  Service to others was Setefano’s favorite calling.  He was well loved by all who had the privilege to know him. He had a generous and kind heart and was a peacemaker everywhere he went. Setefano dearly loved all of his sons and grandchildren. His family was always his main priority.

Setefano leaves behind a legacy of compassion, selflessness and faith.  His dedication to helping others and spreading love will always be remembered by those whose lives he touched.  While we mourn the loss of Setefano, we also celebrate the light he brought into the world and the love he shared with everyone around him.  He will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew him.

Setefano is survived by his wife Mailata Oliniviola Tauvao, five sons: Toleafoa Alapeti Ware (Sarah), Fonomaitu Kalani Ware (Tiffany), Nephi Lopeti Ware, Nifae Tauvao, and Kauli Tauvao, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, five brothers Tenari (Melanie), Livingstone, Esekia (Pueomanu), Levaula (Tokase), Almar (Alofa), and three sisters Leileiga Hannah (Wilson Leiato), Seupepe (Tasi Afualo), and Perkins (Scott Headle.)

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Kauli and Filemu), and three sisters (Elenoa, Vaserisa and Elna.)

A viewing and funeral services will be held on March 23, 2024 at the Sandy Midvalley Stake located at 1106 East Old Dairy Road.  Viewing is 9:00-10:30, Family Service is 10:30-12:30, Bishop’s Service is 1:00-2:00.   Internment will be from 2:30-3:30 at Memorial Redwood Cemetery at 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.