Family members have confirmed the passing of Manu’a Senator Galeai Moaaliitele Tuufuli in Hayward, California this morning.
Galeai had been absent from the entire fourth regular session of the Fono due to ailing health.
He was regarded as the senior statesman of the Fono, and referred to as the father of both the Senate and House.
His passing closes a long and distinguished political and public service career.
He was one of the top advisers for the late Governor AP Lutali and after the Lutali administrations he was selected as the senator for Fitiuta, and has held the seat for more than a decade.
In the Fono he was known for calling a spade a spade and was a sharp critic of past administrations.
His colleagues would often defer to him when deciding contentious issues.
At the start of the Lolo Lemanu administration, Galeai maintained his tough scrutiny of policies and decisions however as his health started to fail this also started to wane.
Galeai’s field was law enforcement and he served several terms as a Commissioner of Public Safety. He is also a former chairman of the American Samoa Democratic Party.
Galeai was active in the Lions Club of Pago Pago and was elected president a few times.
KHJ News offers its condolences to Senator Galeai’s children and family for his passing.
