Feleti Manu Olevao Obituary (1960 - 2024)

Feleti Manu Olevao, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away surrounded by loved ones on August 28,2024. Born on September 24, 1960, in Folaha, Tonga to Mele Vakalahi and Samiu Uikelotu Manu Olevao, he grew up in a home filled with love and service. The Manu Olevao home was full of grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins who helped shape the man we knew as our protector, leader, confidant and priesthood holder. Feleti was named by his mehikitanga Fane Umukisia Payne after her late husband Alifeleti Payne. Feleti’s late mother Grandma Mele, whom he often called his best friend, would call him his nickname Ali, which we hold dear as it often reminds us of their close relationship. His favorite memories included going to fa ngota and vao tongo with his mom. He attended GPS Folaha and Valoloa. Although he didn’t finish his formal education, he grew his skillset working as a mechanic under Sam Vete. In 1979 he travelled to Hawaii with his Uncle Neau, Sione Manu Olevao. There he met his beautiful wife Penina Ngatuvai of Lofanga, Ha’apai and Feletoa, Vava’u. They were married and later sealed in the La’ie, Hawaii Temple. Together they have 6 children. La’ie, Hawaii is where they would start their family, but Kahuku, Hawaii is where they would create their home that holds so many cherished memories. His inviting spirit and love of family was evident in the countless family members and friends who visited their humble home on Pualalea Place. Dad’s love for the sport of rugby was known to all. He started playing at the age of 13. He would play for various teams, but most notably for timi meimei. In Hawaii he played with the University of Hawaii rugby team, the Folaha team, La’ie Rhinos and Kahuku Rugby. He was a player, captain and coach who is remembered by most for his large stature and toughness. Dad worked various jobs but fell in love with stucco and plaster. He often expressed his gratitude for his brother-in-law Ofa ki Liahona Ngatuvai who taught him this trade that would be Feleti’s way to provide for his family for many years. In Hawaii he worked under the union, but in 1998 the Manu family moved to Utah where he started his first stucco company PMJ Stucco. He would later form MMT Stucco and Plaster paying homage to his love of rugby and the Mate Ma’a Tonga team. Feleti grew up methodist but was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1991. He served in various capacities including as a high councilman, elders quorum president and within the ward Sunday School Presidency. He loved attending the temple and worked as a temple ordinance worker in the Provo, Utah Temple. Dad’s love for music began in his childhood. He would tell his kids stories of starting his first band with his cousins in Folaha making his first guitar out of a tin can. He taught himself how to play the keyboard and loved playing alongside his brother Sione Mapuha’ano. Singing was his favorite, especially when he could perform with his only son Feleti Iniki. He often reminded his children that his greatest blessing was marrying our dear mother, Penina Manu. They enjoyed going to hulohulas, attending village celebrations, supporting friends and spending time with their grandchildren. One of his favorite titles was Papa as he was called by his grandchildren. He would mama their food and stay up with them when sick. He loved to spoil them with play dates at McDonalds and reward them with taking turns fotaing his legs. He is survived by his loving wife Penina Manu, daughters Kathreen Noelani Funaki (Tohekakala), Luseane Manakofua (Sione), Enilose Folaumahina (Danny), Minoneti Roberts (Talio) and Narisha Tonga (Vaiola) and his only son Feleti Manu Jr, his grandchildren Hemaloto Funaki (Poloni), Henelika Funaki, Taitusi Funaki, Vika Funaki, Hevaha Manakofua, Genesis Villaverde-Unga, Anatangikina Villaverde-Unga, Pita Villaverde-Unga, Penina Manu, Ha’apai Folaumahina, Luseane Folaumahina, Roxanne Folaumahina, Feleti Roberts and Ilisapeti Tonga and great grandchildren Ofa Funaki and Tupou Funaki. His siblings, Sione Manu Olevao (Charlene), Enilose Vea (Lemiu), Talanoa Manu (Tita), Ame Noavea and Latai Kanatea (Okalani). He is preceded in death by his grandson Talio Roberts III, parents Samiu Manu Olevao and Mele Manu Olevao his mother-in-law Ana Nagatuvai and father-in-law Hevaha Ngatuvai. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all who have extended their love and condolences. A special thank you to the ulumotu’a Nuku Peneti Niu for his love of our family and Jenkins-Soffe for the care they have provided Dad. Services for Feleti Manu include an apo on Wednesday September 11, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm to be held at 1625 South Slate Canyon Drive Provo, UT 84062. A family viewing will be held at the same location on Thursday September 12, 2024 from 8:00 am to 11:30 am. Funeral Services will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm.