Viliami "Penilotu" Moli Asaeli

Viliami “Penilotu” Moli ‘Asaeli, 75, a beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, October 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Penilotu was born on October 27, 1949, to Mauo and Mele Letele ‘Asaeli of Tongoleleka, Ha’apai, Tonga. He immigrated to the United States with his wife and 2 young children in October 1981. They briefly lived in Riverside and San Mateo, California, before making Euless, Texas, their home in June 1984. Penilotu retired from American Airlines after 20 years of service.

Penilotu’s impact on his family, friends and community is nothing short of extraordinary. All who knew him will remember his glowing smile, his beautiful tenor voice, and his unwavering faith in God. He was the rock of his family - a father to the fatherless, a brother to all. His life was defined by dedication, discipline, and passion. Leading others with gentleness, he reflected the glory of God in all he did. Penilotu’s greatest desire was to share the message of Jesus, reminding everyone that life on earth is temporary, and that heaven is our eternal home.

Despite the tragic hardships Penilotu experienced, he fought in humility knowing his Lord will guide his path in prosperity. Hence the notorious Bible verse he diffused while on his journey of life: “Seek ye first, the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you”, Matthew 6.33.

Penilotu is survived by his children – Viliami Saufo’i Asaeli (Elisapeti), Mele Letele Rivera (Jerry), Mele Na’ati ki he Va’etapu Uluakiola (Mofuike), his 18 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

His legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in all who were blessed to know him. We find peace in knowing that he is now resting with the Lord — reunited in paradise and walking with his beloved wife of 50 years, Losa Ta’ufo’ou ‘Asaeli; his daughter, Lavinia ‘Asaeli; his parents; and his siblings Amilani Moa, Lilio Mafile’o, Ana Liliumi Sinclair, Haitelenisia ‘Asaeli, Folau ‘Asaeli, Rev. Tevita Tu’inauvai ‘Asaeli, Samisoni ‘Asaeli, and Kilisi Finau.