Samasoni Talavou Fonoti (49) of Eureka passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026 at home surrounded by his loved ones.
Samasoni was born on January 30, 1976 in Pago Pago, American Samoa at LBJ Hospital in Faga‘alu village to Fa’apisa Togafau Talamaivao and Toga La‘u Fonoti Sr. He was raised in Samoa until the age of 11 — a place that deeply shaped his values, strength and lifelong devotion to his family, faith and culture. He carried his Samoan heritage with pride everywhere he went, grounded in respect, solid in values, always putting family first, and carrying himself with dignity and purpose.
Growing up with a competitive spirit, Samasoni stayed active playing the sports he loved: baseball, basketball, football, and rugby. In 1987 he traveled with the American Samoa Youth Baseball Team to Honolulu, Hawai‘i. He remained there and lived with Aunty Isu Miller and her family who welcomed him with love and guidance. He attended Alva Scott Elementary School and ‘Aiea High School, graduating in 1994. During his years in Hawaii Samasoni continued to grow both academically and personally, forming lifelong friendships, deepening his sense of responsibility and independence.
In 1998, Samasoni moved to Eureka with his father and little brother to attend College of the Redwoods and live alongside his older brother, Toga Fonoti Jr. Soon after, he met his wife Keaka (Roberts) Fonoti, and they were blessed with seven children: Talimaivou, Fa’apisa, Malia, Puletele, Tamasili, Samasoni Jr., and Kalea Fonoti. His children were his greatest joy. He took immense pride in each of them, always encouraging, teaching, and supporting them along the way. Samasoni was the foundation of his family, leading with integrity, wisdom and a strong work ethic that spoke louder than words. His family was the center of his world and everything he did was for them.
Throughout his life, he delivered newspapers, worked at Daiei Market, JCPenney, Sequoia Park Zoo, Costco #125, and in 2020 established his own restaurant. Island Delight held a special place in his heart for the following four years. He was deeply involved in every aspect and took great pride in running his family-owned business. He personally perfected his authentic Hawaiian recipes such as his Onolicious Chicken Katsu and Sweet and Sour Spareribs, along with his homemade sauces (all made from scratch with lots of love). These quickly became favorites among customers who raved about the tasty flavor. Cooking and sharing food became another way for Samasoni to connect with people, express his culture and give to others.
Samasoni will be remembered as a man of dedication, generosity, strong will and kind-heartedness. His laughter filled rooms. His wisdom carried others forward and in a life shaped by humility he listened more than he spoke. Though our hearts are heavy we take comfort in knowing he passed surrounded by love and is welcomed with open arms in Heaven.
Samasoni is survived by his loving wife, Keaka Fonoti; his children Talimaivao Lokomaikaiokalani Fonoti, Fa’apisa Peleina Fonoti, Malia Atamai Fonoti, Puletele Talila Fonoti, Tamasili Fa’asoa Fonoti, Samasoni Makanatogiola Fonoti Jr. and Kalea Laginatia Fonoti; and his siblings Mila Fonoti, Fiti Fonoti, Sally Fonoti, Toga Fonoti Jr. and Susie Fonoti. He was preceded in death by his parents, Toga La‘u Fonoti Sr. and Fa’apisa Togafau Talamaivao, and his younger brother Talavou Fonoti.
Services will take place on Friday, Feb. 20, at:
The
Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2806
Dolbeer St., Eureka, CA 95501
Viewing: 9 a.m.
|
Service: 11:30 a.m.
Burial:
2 p.m. at Ocean
View Cemetery, 3975 Broadway, Eureka.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Samasoni’s life and legacy, a fund has been set up to support his family. Monetary donations are deeply appreciated and will help assist the loved ones he devoted his life to.
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