Maiava Sinasina Saveasiūleo William Joseph Langkilde passes

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Maiava Sinasina Saveasiūleo William Joseph Langkilde peacefully departed this world on August 8, 2025, in American Samoa. His passing was sudden.

Although he was known as Maiava or Sinasina to many, to his loved ones and friends he was simply “JOE”.

Joe was born on September 18, 1954, in American Samoa, to parents Joseph and Otila Faumuina Langkilde. He was one of eight siblings.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Joe served his community as the Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) Hospital Property Manager and Procurement Manager for 23 years before retiring in March 2023. He was the owner and Managing Director of the Poly Impex Company, a founding member of the American Samoa Little League and a former member of the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, he served as the founding member and first Vice President of the Galea’i Cancer Foundation, was a member of the Lions Club of Pago Pago, and contributed to the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

He was also a member of the Tualauta Delegation Constitution Convention and recently served as Vice Chair for the International Community of the Catholic Holy Family Cathedral.

In his final years, he dedicated himself to taking care of his wife, children, and grandchildren, serving the Lord and his church, as well as embracing the roles of Talking Chief Sinasina for the Leomiti family, Saveasiūleo for the Faumuina family,  and Maiava, as the Sa'o for the Langkilde family.

Joe will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His warm smile and sense of humor lit up every room he entered. He exuded a sharp, well-dressed confidence with a touch of swagger that was unmatched. He was stern, yet offered unconditional and wholehearted love.

He is survived by his wife, Lolua Leomiti Langkilde, along with his children and grandchildren.

Samoa News would like to extend their sincerest condolences to ‘Lua ma le fanau’. “Joe” was an old friend whose smile and laughter will be remembered whenever we gather our thoughts to celebrate life.

Services will be held on September 6, 2025, at the Fatuoaiga Catholic Cathedral. Further details will be announced soon.