Joseph Nikolao's Obituary
Joseph Nikolao, Sr.
A Lifetime of Service, Honor, and Sacrifice
Joseph Nikolao was born on March 23rd,1949 in Moamoa, Samoa. He was raised in the Village 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. Joseph graduated in 1968 from Samoana High School. Soon after, Joseph married the love of his life, Mele Uili on September 9th, 1971. On January 10th, 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, Washington in Washington state. In 1986, Joseph and Mele purchased their family home in Lakewood, Washington.
On February 31st, 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.
He is survived by children: Maria, Joseph Jr., Jerome, Jason, Raynette, Josiah, special grandson Niko, 13 grandchildren, sisters: Velonita, Pelenatete, Taisalina and brothers: Alefosio, and Vitolio.
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.
We love you, Pa!
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