Dr. David Tausolia Fautua

Dr. David Tausolia Fautua passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of December 27, 2024. He was born David Fa'ainuinu to Mua'au Moetulu'i Fa'ainuinu and Tausoli'a Fa'ainuinu in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 31, 1954. He grew up on the island of Oahu and graduated from Damien Memorial High School in 1973, then attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1977 with a degree in business. David was bestowed with the name Fautua in January 1986 in recognition of his leadership and counsel within the Samoan community. He went on to earn three master's degrees from Boston University, North Carolina State University, and the National War College as well as a PhD in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. David retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army in 1999 after serving his country as a Special Forces and Infantry Officer for 22 years, and went on to serve as the Chief of Individual Training and Learning at the Joint Staff, J7 in Suffolk, Virginia.
David is survived by his children Alexandra Fautua, Samantha Toomer, and Lucas Fautua, as well as his son-in-law Darrell Toomer. He is also survived by his brothers Siaki (Donna) Fa'ainuinu and Tamoto Fa'ainuinu, fifteen nieces and nephews and one granddaughter, whom he loved and supported with his whole heart. David also loved and cherished his friends deeply and thrived because of the love they gave in return. He was predeceased by his three brothers Nicholas, Paul, and Samson.
David believed in life-long learning, maintaining a robust library in his home and often gifting curated books and imparting wisdom to family and friends. He was active in his Christian faith as a member of Christ the King Catholic Church since moving to Norfolk, Virginia in 2000, and served as the Grand Historian for the Knights Templar Grand Priory of the United States. He enjoyed competitive sports, playing basketball and golf, and supporting his Notre Dame Fighting Irish. David fearlessly fought through his glioblastoma cancer diagnosis for more than two and a half years. He sustained his indomitable love and charisma despite the toll on his mind and body. David was a fighter to the end and inspires us to continue in his legacy.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:00AM officiated by Father Brian Rafferty. The family will receive friends for a visitation at the church one-hour prior to the service. Please send any cards, thoughts, and condolences to 275 Champions Ridge Drive, Southern Pines, NC 28387. In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of David's passion for learning, the family would welcome the donation of a book to the Fautua Family Library. Please feel free to include a short inscription to David inside the front cover. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.