HTC Fuga Tolani Toleso

OBITUARY FOR OUR BELOVED FUGA TOLANI MANULELEUA TELESO It is with great sadness we announce that our Beloved High Talking Chief FUGA TOLANI MANULELEUA TELESO, 92 years-old, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024, at his residence in Tucson. Arizona. He held the title of High Talking Chief (HTC) "Fuga" in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Tolani Teleso was born in 1931 in Asili, American Samoa, to the late Rev.Teleso Toelupe Samasei'a Manuleleua and Siniva Satele Manuleleua HTC Fuga Tolani Teleso is survived by his wife Tafaoata Teleso, Daughter Susie Casem and children, Jason and Jessica; the children of his beloved Son Dolan Teleso*, Uialatea Jueta and Christian James; the children of his beloved Son Willie Teleso, Timothy and Willie Meyers; and Son Christopher Leota and children, Crystal, Chantea, Christina and Misipele. He was also survived by his 13 great grandchildren and one of three siblings Leilua Leutu Soliai. Fuga Tolani Teleso was an altruist, known for his pursuits in improving the quality of life for others through his love for golf, service to the U.S. Army and leader within his Samoan community. He was characterized as low key, humble, and generous person that preferred to not be recognized in his many accomplishments. He found meaning and joy in assisting others fulfill their life goals and dreams. EDUCATION: Tolani attended: Marist Brothers School, American Samoa; United States Armed Forces institute, Madison, Wisconsin; The American University, Fort Benning, Georgia; Infantry Senior Noncommissioned Officer Career Development Construction, Planning, Designing, Landscaping, and Surveying. 1952-1972 Retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class. A proud veteran of the Korea and Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the President's One Hundred, the Distinguished Marksmanship Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and six Good Conduct Medals. After retiring from the military in 1972, by request of the American Samoa Government he was asked to help build the 18-hole Golf Course in the village of Milli (to date, it's the only golf course in the island). Dear to his heart was the implementation of the first Junior Golf program in American Samoa. Many of the youth looked up to him as a father having their best interest. He opened opportunities for them in Hawaii and Arizona to train and compete in tournaments. 1987-2007 Civilian Aid to the Secretary of the U.S. Army (CASA)Tolani continued to serve his country after his retirement. Beginning with his first appoint by the Secretary of the Army to serve and to be a representative from American Samoa as the "Civilian Aide to Secretary of Army" providing counsel and bridging relationships with the local communities, veterans and recruitment. As the CASA for American Samoa Tolani held a 3 Star protocol status. BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: Tolani was a great and honest professional businessman in his own unique mixture of integrity with helping hands extended to all that needed his help. He was a Past Chairman of the Board, Pacific Product Inc. Past owner and president, Samoa News Inc; Member of Commerce of American Samoa; Founder and Member of American Samoa's Professional Golf Association; Member, U.S. National Senior Golf Association, Past Director, Ho Ching Annesley, Inc: Past Director of Amerika Samoa Bank. LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE: 1981-1984; Director, Department of Parks and Recreation 1982- 1984; Preservation and Conservation Officer 1985 - 2006 Executive Director, American Samoa National Olympic Committee MEMBERSHIPS AND OTHER AFFILIATIONS: Tolani Teleso was a honorable member in many organizations and affiliations: the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.A; Member, The Navy League of the U.S.A; Member, Fort Benning Lodge No.579; Founding Member, Lodge Benjamin Kneubuhl No. 441; Founding Member, Boys Scouts of America, American Samoa Branch; Member of the elite all Army Shooting Team, (1959-1972); Past President, American Samoa Liberty Campaign. Recipient of two Rotary International Awards, Paul Harris Fellows (1978 and 1998). Past member of the Shriners International. IN THE MID'S 90 When American Samoa won the bid to host the mini pacific games in 1997, Tolani was credited for building the Veterans Memorial Stadium in preparation for the Pacific Mini Games. He was asked by a friend and Professional Golfer from Tahiti Islands to assist in the development of their Golf Course in Papeete, Tahiti. He gladly accepted with no hesitation In 1999, the Government of Samoa asked him to supervise the construction of a Golf course and the horse racetrack complex in Faleata. Also surveying the feasibility of a golf course in Savaii, Samoa. Everyone remembered him as an exceptional American Samoan, who rose from humble Pago Pago origins to become the equivalent rank of a three-star U.S. Army General. He was a man of action who channeled his amazing energy and passion for service into action, for his village of Pago Pago, for American Samoa, and for the United States. Chief Fuga Tolani Teleso was instrumental in many local projects and gently served his island for decades. He was empathetic, compassionate and loving with a wisdom of wealth, knowledge and good old common sense. He loved fully and unconditionally. Chief Fuga will be greatly missed by his family and will forever be remembered in our hearts as the WINGS OF OUR FREEDOM.  

A Memorial Service will be held on November 22, 2024 TIME:, 2:00 P.M at BRINGS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 6910 E. BROADWAY BLVD, TUCSON, AZ.