By Johnny Victor Toma
Joseph “Sefo” Nikolao was born on March 23,1949, in Moamoa, Samoa. He was raised in the village of Futiga, American Samoa. This was the first village where his parents, Nikolao Filipo and Kolotita To’iata Leota, were assigned to work as Catholic Catechists in 1953. His parents did not earn money because they worked for God preaching the Gospel. Instead, they survived by the kindness and generosity of the people in the parish and the village.
When Joseph was 7 years old, he helped support his family by selling taro, bananas, and tobacco his parents grew on their plantation. It was a hard life selling in the marketplace, but Joseph always understood the importance of supporting and contributing to his family, even at a young age. And being the oldest of seven children, he knew he would need to set a good example for his younger siblings. Therefore, he gladly took on this role as a provider for his family.
Joseph graduated in 1968 from Samoana High School. He earned recognition for his academics as a three-year National Honor Society member. He was one of the first of his graduating class to be hired to work at the Government of American Samoa General Supply Shipping and Receiving department. He worked as a clerk for 6 months and then transferred to the Government Liquor Store. He saved up enough money to buy his mother a sewing machine, a freezer for the family, and a 1970 Datsun pickup truck in a short amount of time. Joseph married the love of his life, Mele Uili, from Lauli’i, American Samoa, on September 9, 1971. On January 10, 1974, Joseph enlisted in the United States Army and became a naturalized United States Citizen.
Joseph’s first military assignment was from 1974-1977 at the Schofield Barracks in Hawaii and then a short period in Alabama. He also served in Germany and Korea with his final station at Fort Lewis in Washington state. In 1986, Joseph and Mele purchased their family home in Lakewood, Washington. During his military career, he earned “The Meritorious Service Medal” which is the highest award earned during peacetime, “The Army Achievement Award,” and “Honorable Discharge.” He also earned 7 “Good Conduct Medals.”
In February 1995, after 21 years of service, Joseph retired as a Sergeant First Class. He then began his career as an Immigration Officer for the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in Seattle, Washington. He always believed education was extremely important for advancement in the workplace and for the mind so he continued his education, earning his Associate of Arts Degree from Pierce College in 1999. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration and Management at Saint Martin’s University in 2002.
After a long career, Joseph retired in 2013 to spend more time with his ever-growing family. He loved to volunteer for church and spend time with his grandchildren. Throughout his life, the love of God guided him to be a devout Catholic and to serve God in many ways. He had been a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed helping in food drives, pancake breakfast days, free throw for kids, and serving at the Ft. Lewis parish as a lector and a Eucharistic minister. He loved praying the rosary before Mass. People often remember him by his big voice. He led family prayers every evening. He also gave back to the community by working at Habitat for Humanity building homes. Joseph gave generously to his family, the Church, and to the Samoan fa’alavelaves.
He is survived by his children: Maria, Joseph Jr., Jerome, Jason, Raynette, Josiah, special grandson Niko, 13 grandchildren; his sisters: Velonika “Velo” Toma, Pelenatete “Keke”, Taisalina “Lina” Tonumalepea; and his brothers: Alefosio and Vitolio. His brother, Paletasala, passed away in 2004.
His family service was held on May 30, 2024, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Lakewood, Washington, followed by his Requiem Mass on May 31, 2024. He is interred at Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum next to his wife, Mele, and his daughter, Lizel.
With tremendous love and respect, we say goodbye to our father, our grandfather, our uncle, our brother, our friend, our leader, our teacher, our hero. We say goodbye to the great man who loved us all and guided us through life.
Until we meet again, we love you, Pa!
