Taniela Mafile'o Pasi

On February 26, 2024 at 3:04pm, Taniela Mafile’o Pasi peacefully returned to our Heavenly Father and joined his eternal companion, Melenaite Pasi, in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Taniela was born on July 5, 1935 in Kolomotu’a, Tongatapu. His parents are Sione Filipe and ‘Alisi Tupou Brown. Taniela was raised by his mom and her sisters. He attended the Free Church of Tonga – Primary School and in 1947, he qualified and was accepted to Tonga Government College (Atele). While attending Atele, he resided at Tu’iketei’s home with Tevita Ka’ili and Tavo Leota. Taniela was known for his mastery in music. In 1949, he got into the Brass Band, playing the triangle. He transitioned to side drum player, then 2^nd cornet, then 1^st Horn-Tenor. In 1952, he played lead solo Tenor French Horn and in 1953, he switched to lead Solo Cornet, which he played for 1 year. In 1954, Taniela finished school and out of 40 classmates, he and 4 others passed their Public Service Exam. In 1955, he started work at E.M. Jones. Taniela was married to his eternal sweetheart, Melenaite Lavulo, on June 30, 1956 in Pangai, Ha’apai, Tonga by Elder John H. Groberg. Taniela started working at the Tonga Construction Company in January 1962 and December of that year, he began work at Liahona High School as a Treasurer. Taniela and Melenaite sealed their family in the New Zealand, Auckland temple in 1968. On December 24, 1975, Taniela moved his family to Hawai’i and shortly after, began working as a Treasurer at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The family got their permanent residency in the United States of America in 1978. Taniela and Melenaite moved their family to Utah in 1979 and purchased their forever family home in 1980. Taniela retired from Associated Food Stores on July 31, 1998 after 19 years of employment. Shortly after, he needed to keep busy

Taniela served in many callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as the following: Ward clerk, 2^nd assistant to the High Priest Group Leader, 1^st Counselor in the Bishopric, High Priest Group Leader, Service Missionary and Stake Music Leader. Taniela was well known for his ability to translate, compose and play music. Many people would come to his home to learn music from him. He was the best trumpet player to come out of Tonga. Taniela and Melenaite touched the lives of many. Not only immediate family, but everyone they encountered. They found joy in serving, especially at their dinner table. Taniela’s legacy is in music, numbers, genealogy and family.

Taniela is survived by his sisters ‘Ana Lamona Felila, Tevita Tupou (Ilaisaane), and Filinita ‘Aho (Stafoti), his children Lesieli Hingano Moe (Shane), Toutai Moala Pasi (Lineni), Fusi Kaunanga Pasi Livai (Siuaki), Tevita ‘Alapuku Pasi (Fahina Tavake), Lea He ‘Ofa Pasi, Vanesa Makeleta Pasi Fie’eiki (Ron), Dorinda Maureen Pasi, Filinita Nemelka (Kevin), Kadeisha Leigh Pasi Ka’auamo (Kona), ‘Afa Tonga (Langaola), Kingi Tonga (Celeste), Timani Tonga (Maniana), Verna Bair (Brett), Filisi Filipe (Senine). He’s also survived by his grandchildren Theresa Moe, Tania Moe, Tesa Manu (Lasi), Lani Pasi, Spencer Pasi (Kayla), Siuaki Livai (Teuila), Semisi Livai (Norma-Jean), Henrietta Auelua (Jerome), Salote Afu (Mone), Tevita Livai (Courtney), Lasipeli Livai (Teal), Anya Tulimafua (Viliami), Taniela Pasi (Nanasi), Melenaite Te’o (Filiaga), Tu’ulaki Pasi (Losepina), Marylouise Pasi, Pieter Pasi (Mikenzie), Salome Mo’ungaafi (Sione), Ammaron Wolfgramm (Erin), Alyson Ferlin (Randy), Aarika Flores (Brandon), Stranz Wolfgramm (Mallory), Albert Wolfgramm, Stefon Wolfgramm (Serena), Susana Foliaki, Julia Fie’eiki, RJ Fie’eiki, Salote Fie’eiki, Elaine Grieg, Tiffany Pierson (Ryan), Kevin Nemelka, Vanesa Moyes (Gentry), Justin Nemelka (Jane), Aamon Nemelka (Tayla), Taniela Ka’auamo, Kalani Ka’auamo, Semisi Motulalo Tonga, JR Tonga (Apoua), Lea Hansen (Anthony), Lisiate Tonga (Naomi), Jayson Tonga, Te Anu Tonga, Ammon Tonga, Rodney Tonga (Breann), Verna Tukuafu (Sione), Joyce Tonga, Via Kefu (Tuifua), Beni Tonga (Devrie), Timani Tonga, Vea Manumaleuna (Eathyn), Sini Vamanrav (Ram), Chelsea Bair, CJ Bair (Tony), Cody Bair (Josie), Taniela Filipe, Thomas Filipe (Melinda), Douglas Filipe (Andrea), Mark Filipe (Tilila), Michael Filipe (Laite), Anchalee Ngata (Vili). He also has 123 great grandchildren, and 1 great great granddaughter.
 Taniela is preceded in death by his parents Sione Filipe and ‘Alisi Tupou Brown, his brothers Viliami Filipe, Sione Manioke, Viliami (Kilipeni) Filipe, ‘Alipate Tupou, and Poiti Tupou, and. his sisters Mele Tupou Greig, Susi Filipe, and Noma Saluni, his son Palu Hu’aniumata Tonga, his daughter Longolongoi Niu’ui Tonga his granddaughter Susi Filipe Moe and his great grandson Siuaki Solipo (JahJah) Livai.