As we reported yesterday afternoon, Manu’a senator Galeai Moaaliitele Tuufuli has passed away in Hayward, California.
His distinguished career is highlighted by another son of Manu’a, Fofo Sunia in his book – PUPUTOA.
Fofo wrote that Galea’i was born in 1937 in the village of Fagatogo. His father was Tu’ufuli Mapu and his mother was Tala Moaali’itele.
According to Fofo, Galea’i’s father served as a member of the Fitafita Guard.
He was sent to school in 1952 at the St Louis High School in Honolulu on a Catholic Church scholarship.
Galea’i started his working life in the Air Force for four years after high school.
He attended the University of Hawai’i before returning to American Samoa where he served as a policeman briefly before he left again to finish college, wrote Fofo.
Upon his return he taught at American Samoa Community College from 1978 until 1982.
He later rejoined the Police Force as Chief of Police and also received the ali’i title Moaali’itele from his Fitiuta family.
He became one of Governor Lutali’s top advisors and was named Commissioner of Public Safety in the first Lutali administration between 1985 and 1988.
His distinguished career, according to Fofo, took him to the legislature when he was made Senator for Ta’u, Faleasao and Fitiuta between 1993 until 2000 when he was selected as Manu’a District Governor.
He received the ali’i title Galea’i in 2000 as well.
Galea’i also served as chairman of the American Samoa Arts Council and served on the Native American Advisory Council.
He served as chairman of the American Samoa Democratic Party.
Galeai was active in the Lions Club of Pago Pago and was elected president a few times.
He was serving as Senator when he passed yesterday at the age of 81.
