Gaseata Aiono

1949 - 2024

Gaseata Aiono

1949 - 2024

- Our beloved Dad, Papa, and Great Papa, Tanuvasa Taaloga Aiono, returned to Heavenly Father on March 22, 2024. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly surrounded by his family in a room full of love.

Tanuvasa Taaloga was born September 23, 1949 in Fasito'o Uta, Western Samoa to his late parents Tauti Voa Aiono and Pi'itolu Taefu Li'a Aiono. He was the 7th of 9 siblings - 2 sisters and 5 brothers: Muliauma, Teinemane, Falealili Voi, Tolovae, Tauti Pailate, Fa'afoi, Tavita, and Aiono Tauti Faioso.

Tanuvasa Taaloga moved to the United States in 1972 when he was 23 years old. He later became a U.S. Citizen on March 14, 1994 and was very proud of that accomplishment.

He moved to Hawai'i where he met the love of his life, Ali'itasi Ioane Falaniko. They were married on November 16, 1979 and immediately started their family. They had 5 beautiful children: 3 boys and 2 girls: Poutasi, Pailate, Misiona, Lisa, and James. They were sealed as a family in the Los Angeles Temple. Later they moved to Utah where they put down their roots and raised their 5 kids. Sadly on March 3, 2012, Aliitasi passed away. They were blessed with new generations of 21 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Tanuvasa recently remarried, Suzanne Rodriguez, on August 27th, 2022. The two enjoyed adventures and traveling together the last 18 months. They had the opportunity to visit his family in Australia this past Christmas, they also took numerous trips to Idaho, Nevada, and Southern Utah. All memories Suzanne will cherish forever.

Tanuvasa Taaloga loved driving, he was a truck driver and bus driver for years and even drove his own taxi. He considered himself a professional driver and loved to teach his grandchildren. He also loved his Samoan culture very much. Tanuvasa loved old Western Cowboy movies, but his favorite movie was The Sound of Music. He also loved football. He had the opportunity to watch his son and grandsons play football from little league, high school, college, and even the NFL level over the years.

Tanuvasa Taaloga loved spending time with his family. His greatest joys came from his late wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Taaloga's role as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather brought him immense joy and fulfillment. He always had a story to tell, a song to sing, and would always strive to be present at the meaningful moments of their lives. He adored his family and could talk about them endlessly to anyone who would listen.

He had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and eternal families. He loved being a member of the Church and reminded us to always look to God. He was definitely a man of God who loved his family, his culture, and was proud of the accomplishments his kids and grandkids achieved.

Taaloga had the biggest heart and loved unconditionally always without judgment. He captured everyone's heart he met. He leaves behind a special legacy that will be felt for generations.

Preceded in death: Aliitasi Aiono (Wife), Justin Aiono-Mamea (Grandson)

Survived by: Kids: Tony (Taija), Pailate (Ruby), Misiona (Kueka), Lisa (Rick), James (Vina) Grandchildren: Alisha (Pale), Savannah, Pailate, Aliitasi, Stryker, Kingston, Sy, Alannah, Inez, Octavio, Fiaoo, Misiona, Jordan, Justin, Jonah, Julian, Jade, Ricky, Rocky, Ronin, Rex, and Cesar. Great-Grandchildren: Kahlisi and Toa Wife: Suzanne Aiono

Memorial Services for Tanuvasa Taaloga Aiono

April 4th, 2024

Viewing: Jenkins-Soffee

4760 S State Street Murray, UT 84107

6:00pm-8:00pm

April 5th, 2024

LDS Stake Center - 12701 S 3600 W Riverton, UT 84065

Funeral Services: 10:00am-12:00pm

Bishop Services: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Burial: 2:30pm

Redwood Cemetery - 6500 S Redwood Road SLC, UT 84084