Lopiseni Paeahelotu Finau Obituary (1966 - 2020)

Graveside services for Lopiseni Finau will be broadcast live on Saturday, October 3, 2020 beginning at 12:45 PM. To watch this service, please click on the link below. Click HERE to view Graveside Services for Lopiseni Finau Lopiseni Paeahelotu Finau passed away at the age of 54 the morning of September 28, 2020 surrounded by his wife and children. He was born September 10, 1966 to Petesiola Mahina and Vailama Finau in Ta’anea, Vava’u, Tonga as the youngest son of eight children. Lopiseni attended and graduated from Saineha High School, and later served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Nukua’alofa, Tonga mission. In 1990, he migrated from Tonga to the United States. A year later Lopiseni was married and sealed to the love of his life, Paea Helotu Ta’ai Finau, in the Oakland, California Temple. Together they created a beautiful family and a life worthy of the American dream. His greatest treasures included their four children: Lopiseni Paeahelotu Finau Jr., Ta’alasi Finau (Alvaro Somarriba), Alai Journey Hope, Petesiola Sesilina; and his two grandjewels: Mele Alesi and Lopiseni Laione Somarriba. Lopiseni worked for Delta Airlines for two decades while also succeeding in his entrepreneurial pursuits with his wife. They started Touch of Polynesia in 2000 at local fairs selling Polynesian accessories and food, which grew to thriving food truck, kettle corn, and restaurant businesses. Lopiseni started Trusty Medical Transport in August of 2019 to help transport individuals who have special needs. Lopiseni led an active lifestyle in sports, including rugby and pickle-ball, but his real love was playing tennis. In 1995, he and his team from Salt Lake City won the Round Robin National competition in Tucson, Arizona. Lopiseni lived a life of service and love for all he came in contact with. He enjoyed serving in various positions within the church, including being a counselor to three different Bishops and eventually serving as a Bishop himself. He encouraged many with his testimony and faith, and the absence of his presence is greatly felt. Lopiseni is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, six of his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, many family members and friends. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, and oldest brother Amoni, who died as an infant. Due to Covid-19, the family will be having an outdoor graveside service Saturday, October 3, 2020. The viewing will be at 10am followed by a service at 1pm. The location will be at the Redwood Memorial Mortuary & Cemetery. Those who would like to attend may bring lawn chairs, blankets, and umbrellas. However, no canopies are allowed. The extent of Lopiseni’s influence for good in the lives of others was unknown even to his family. Since his passing, there has been an outpouring of love from countless individuals, sharing their tender experiences and memorable encounters with him. The family sends their sincerest appreciation to all who have reached out.