Sipou Mareko

BIG BROTHER TO MANY: The Life and Legacy of Sipou Mareko
April 20, 1975 – October 22, 2025
Born in American Samoa and raised between Hawai i and California, Sipou Mareko lived his life with deep roots, strong faith, and endless aloha. To know him was to be loved by him - a man whose size might have seemed intimidating at first glance, but whose heart was soft, patient, and full of grace.
He was a husband, father, brother, coach, mentor, and friend, but above all, a man of God.
For decades, Sipou coached high school football, shaping not only athletes but the men they would become. On and off the field, he was a teacher of resilience, teamwork, and loyalty. His players often said he wasn't just a coach, he was their "big brother," the one who showed up when life got hard, who asked if you were really okay, who believed in you even when you didn't believe in yourself.
He worked in security most of his life, retiring in 2020, but his real job was being everyone's biggest cheerleader. Whether at family sporting events, church gatherings, or even on FaceTime calls, he was the loudest supporter in every crowd - laughing, teasing, and spreading joy. He loved football, WWE, Candy Crush, and quality time with his family.
Sipou's life was filled with adventure and love. For 24 years, he and his wife Ashley traveled the world, shared laughter through every high and low, and built a blended family bound by deep faith and commitment. He supported Ashley through four surrogate pregnancies, celebrating each life she helped bring into the world. Together, they taught their children that family is more than blood, it's anyone you love enough to stand beside.
He faced his long illness with the same courage and faith he brought to everything, pushing through pain to show up for family games, birthdays, and gatherings, determined never to let illness define him.
The outpouring of love from the community has been overwhelming, hundreds of messages, memories, and stories from family, teammates, students, friends, and strangers who were touched by his kindness. Each one speaks of the same truth: Sipou made people feel safe, important, and seen.
Sipou is survived by his devoted wife Ashley Mareko; their daughters Ariana Mareko of Kailua Kona, and Taioalo Mareko of Mountain View; son Ezekiel Mareko of Las Vegas, NV; his mother Iokapeta Mareko of Kailua Kona; his Father-in-law Daniel Hauanio and Mother-in-law Kelly Gaspar; Brothers: Leko (Marleen) Mareko of Kailua Kona, Olione (Jami) Mareko of Waimea, Fa'afetai (Maile) Mareko of Lacey, WA., Jeremiah (Gretchen) Mareko of Kailua Kona, Joshua Mareko of Las Vegas, NV., Navy Manaiaoatua Mareko-Berdon of Kailua Kona;
Sisters, AiaFano Mareko Aunai (Polataivao Telenise) of Seattle, Wa, Sitaialofa Mareko of Kailua Kona, Ofeira Igafo (Glenn Igafo) of Mililani, Hi, Tupimoega Mareko (Brian Berdon Sr) of Kailua Kona, Taioalo Charlene Mareko (Peni Kalavi) of Kailua Kona; Brother in-laws Kaniela (Chassidy) Hauanio of Kailua Kona, Isaiah (Reichel) Hauanio; Sister in-law Bridget Cooper.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 11:00 AM–6:00 PM at Old Airport Pavilion (Old A's) in Kailua-Kona, Hawai i. Services will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by food, fellowship, and music, just the way he would have wanted.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sipou Mareko Athlete Legacy Scholarship, supporting youth who demonstrate the same heart, loyalty, and courage that Sipou shared with the world.
"I have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith."
- 2 Timothy 4:7
If you are interested in helping with the celebration of life, please fill out this form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DCTMHX5