THOMAS MICHAEL SUA, Sr. May 24, 1964 – August 29, 2018 After a long, hard fought battle with cancer, It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas (Tom) Michael Sua Sr, announces his passing on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at the age of 54. Tom was born on May 24, 1964 in Santa Maria, CA. Tom will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 29 years, Lani and their children, sons Thomas Jr (fiancee Vanessa Davis), John, Matthew and their only daughter Veronica.
He will also be fondly remembered… Read More » by his 6 remaining siblings, brothers Peter (Matau) Sua, Paul (Karen) Alipia, John (Rachel) Sua, his sisters, Vaililo Werner, Yvonne (Alan) Matautia and Malia (Faatupu) Leituala. Tom was predeceased by his father, Michael Tafao Sua, mother Antonia Avemooe Sua, his sister Elizabeth Tina Fa’atagi and brother Aniga Su’a. Tom attended various local grade schools in Santa Maria before his parents moved to Orcutt, CA when he was 11, attending Nightingale Elementary School.
He attended Lakeview Junior High and graduated from St. Joseph High School with the class of 1981. He also attended Allan Hancock Junior College and received a football scholarship to Highlands University in New Mexico. Upon returning to California, he lived in Torrance, CA working at USG Corporation for several years.
He met the love of his life, Lani Maluomalo while working in the Los Angeles area. Tom and Lani were married in 1989, moved back to Santa Maria where all four of their children were born. He was hired as a Correctional Officer at the Lompoc Federal Prison in December of 1998 and was later promoted to Maintenance Worker Supervisor.
He was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and began his battle using many forms of cancer treatments until his death on August 29, 2018. He was a proud parent and enjoyed watching and supporting his children perform on the football field or on the basketball courts. Tom and Lani were parents to four of the most talented sports athletes at St. Joseph High School / Santa Maria.
When he’s not doing projects around the house, you might find him at his favorite slot machine at Chumash Casino. Because of his kind, gentle and uncomplicated demeanor, Tom has a huge following of lifetime friends who have been flowing in and out of his home since his death. He was so loved and respected by his nieces and nephews that they wanted their names mentioned in his obituary from oldest to youngest: Flo and Mona Tiumalu, Emmanuel (Luti) Faatagi, Alan Jr and Rachel Matautia, Nick and Jewelee Matautia, Teresa Faatagi, Yvonne Faatagi, Erick Faatagi (Alyssa Jacquot), Krista Sua (Liz), Jennafer Matautia (Carlos Faumuina), David Faatagi, Jr. (Cleo), Thomas Sua (Vanessa Davis), Mika (Kara) Alipia, Pulemau Alipia (Jazmine), John Sua, Eulalia Alipia (Theresa Cuevas), Matthew Sua, Samson Alipia, Melekiole Alipia, Elisheva Alipia.
There are more, too numerous to include everyone. Tom has left an aching in our hearts that will never go away. We love and miss him so much.
Please join us at Dudley Hoffman Mortuary, 1003 E. Stowell Rd. , Santa Maria, CA on Thursday, September 6th for the family viewing starting at 3:30 pm, with the public viewing at 5 pm. The Rosary will start at 6 pm.
Mass will be at 10 am on Friday, September 7th at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, 1190 E Clark Ave. , Santa Maria, CA with internment to follow at Santa Maria Cemetery at 1501 S. College Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454. Reception will be announced after the Mass.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
