John Ioane Otineru

1920 - 2013

In Loving Memory June 13, 1920- Jan. 1, 2013 John Otineru was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many. He was born in Fagatogo, American Samoa to Otineru Otineru and Iuni Yandall. He graduated from Poyer High School in 1938. In 1954 he joined the U.S. Navy as a Seabee. His military career allowed him to travel the world to places such as California, Kauai, Antarctica, Midway, Spain, Japan and Rhode Island. He was a Vietnam War veteran and was awarded a number of honorable medals.

After serving for 20 years, he retired from the Navy and settled his family in Oxnard. John was a God loving man, and spent a significant amount of his life serving as a deacon at the First Samoan Congregational Church of Oxnard. John passed away at his longtime home on New Year's Day 2013, surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elisapeta Otineru, and sons Henry Otineru, Bucky, Willie Otineru, Eki Otineru and daughter-in-law Tina Otineru.

He leaves behind his wife Elenoa Otineru, daughter Lala Troxel, sons Levi Otineru, David Otineru, Lee and Aulama Lemalu, 27 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. He will be remembered with affection and admiration by his family, friends and community. He was a man of courage, wisdom, honor and strength and will be forever missed, but never forgotten.

A Memorial will be held at Camino Del Sol Memorial Center, 200 N. C St. Oxnard, CA. from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, January 20. His final service will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 21 at the First Samoan Congregational Church, 250 E. Collins St. Oxnard, CA. followed by a graveside service at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Rd. Ventura, CA.