Taavili J. Tuitama; Retired Navy Electrician
Taavili Joseph Tuitama, a retired Navy construction electrician from Oxnard, died July 7. He was 81.
Tuitama was born in American Samoa. He served in the Navy about 21 years, including four tours of duty in Vietnam, said his son, Liloi Tuitama of Oxnard. The Navy transferred him to Port Hueneme in 1965.
After retirement, Tuitama returned frequently to Samoa and Hawaii to teach electrical engineering as part of a mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Liloi Tuitama recalled a saying that his father liked to repeat: “He said no person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward of what he gave.”
Survivors also include Taavili Tuitama’s wife, Faaiuina; sons Piliopo Tuitama of Hawaii, Eletise Tuitama of Tennessee, Kilepoa Tuitama of American Samoa, Tiloi Tuitama and Fagupo Tuitama, both of Oxnard, and Fiaaluae Tuitama of Stockton, and daughters Kilisitina Vainuku of Oxnard, Sekeli Salima of Ventura and Merine Hafoka of Salt Lake City.
Other survivors include 43 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by daughter Loleta Pollard of Oxnard.
Arrangements are being handled by James A. Reardon Mortuary of Oxnard.
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