Falemao Matina Pili

Falema'o "Phil" Matina Pili passed away peacefully, surrounded by all those who loved him deeply, on the 19th of June 2014 at the age of 69. His mortal experience was a labor of love. His love for God identified him. His work dignified him. His love for family sustained him. His love for culture and others motivated him. His actions spoke volumes of his character. His dignity never questioned. He was a man of God. He was born in humble circumstances on May 15th, 1945 to Matina and Tusaga Pili in a tiny village in American Samoa. When he was 8 his father died. After his father's death, his mother moved his family to the United States. A good work ethic and a sense of responsibility were instilled in him at a very early age. He would go on to marry the love of his life, his first wife Vickie Jane Lua. Falema'o and Vickie had seven beautiful children--Pursonna, Paula, Falema'o Jr., Priscilla, Pennylyn, Pam, and Fa'aifoauolelagi. His role as a father and husband was foremost and was never taken for granted. His family loved and revered him. Vickie passed away and two years later Falema'o was fortunate to find love a second time marrying Alice "Ali" Goetz in 2004. Education was important to him, he always encouraged his children to reach higher levels of learning. Even at the age of 59, he fulfilled a lifetime goal to earn his PhD. In addition to traditional educational pursuits he earned a 3rd degree black belt in Shotokan. His dedication and love for God was evidenced by the way he served others and in the way he lived. He served as a Stake President twice for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for a total of eighteen years. He also served as a Bishop and Regional Representative, along with countless other callings throughout his life. He was serving as the Patriarch for the Pago West Stake at the time of his death. Falema'o's love for his country was deeply rooted in his work ethic and work history. Throughout the years of service in American Samoa he served in numerous positions such as--Deputy Treasurer for the American Samoa Government, Comptroller of LBJ Tropical Medical Center, a member of the House of Representatives, Chief Financial Officer for the American Samoa Community College and lastly serving as the Treasurer of the American Samoa Government. He is survived by his second wife, Ali, his seven children, 24 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, a brother, Albert (Sa) Pili, a sister Victoria Pili, and one step-daughter, Elizabeth (Santiago) Michalek. Dr. Falema'o "Phil" Pili will truly be missed by all who knew him. The services for Dr. Falema'o "Phil" Matina Pili will be held at 1075 South Geneva Road, Orem, Utah in the LDS Chapel on Friday, June 27th from 6-8 pm (visitation) and Saturday, June 28th at 11:00 am. (funeral).