Siosaia “Joe” Femuiaki Taukinukufili

Siosaia “Joe” Femuiaki Taukinukufili passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones at home in Bountiful Utah, on April 15, 2024. He was born April 28, 1939, in Kolofo’ou Niuafo’ou to Ma’ata Fotuika-i-Moana Lokotui and Sione Sefesi Finau Taukinukufili, the eldest of nine.

Being the oldest holds great responsibility. Joe attended Tongan college (Atele) and Tupou College (Toloa all boys) 7. Joe and PattyJo Thompson met in Hawaii, later getting married and then having their first born, Joseph Bryce Taukinukufili on Jan 9^th, 1971. Joe lived in different parts of the country. After his eldest son was born, he moved to Pleasant Hill, CA. Later divorced and had his second son Daniel (Taniela) with Helen Essenwanger (Walnut Creek, CA.) Joe loved his family so much that after settling in California he decided to bring his siblings to the United States. First, he brought his younger brother Likio in 1972. Joe and Likio together worked hard to bring the rest of their brothers and sisters and families in 1975.

Joe started a janitorial business, where he employed his brothers and sisters and family to clean Drive Inn Movies and theaters. Joe loved to work with his hands. He was talented in doing many things, carpentry, arts, cement work, landscaping & so on.

In 1976 he helped his oldest sister Siosiane (Susi) and Sitelimani buy their first house (the American dream) in Pleasant Hill, California. 

Joe is survived by his two sons Joseph Bryce Taukinukufili (Luana) + (Eniko) and Daniel Taukinukufili (Genie) plus 6 grandchildren - Joey, Vaughn, Sierra, Cheyenne, John Aiden, Elise Rose and 2 great grandkids- Peteli Ailana & Neemia Teikauea.

He is also survived by his Sisters, Fololeni Naitingikeili Lamipeti (Concord, CA), Melenaite Vaiongo Hopoi (Sacramento,CA) Mele Seini Tu’uefiafi (Bountiful, UT)  Potesio Afu Fonua (Elk Grove, CA) along with his many nieces and nephews. Joe is proceedeth in death by his parents Sione and Ma’ata, sister Siosaiane Taemanisa Mafi Taufa (Tevita Sitelimani), brothers-Sione Likio Taukinukufili and Siosiua Halalova Taukinukufili.

Joe will be missed by so many. He was bigger than life, he loved everyone he came across, especially all his friends & neighbors back in Greensboro, North Carolina where he called home.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to his nurses & doctors at Dignity Health & Aspire Hospice for all the love and care during the last few months of his life. 

Joe’s family will host a funeral service and celebration of his life on Friday, May 3^rd, 2024, from 8-11 a.m. at 840 North 800 West, West Bountiful, Utah where the Bishop’s program will also be held from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. that day. The Burial will be followed at 1:00 p.m. at his final resting place Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah.

Luncheon will be served immediately after the burial back at the chapel for families & friends.