American Samoa Mourns the Passing of Judge Sagapolutele

Washington, D.C. (November 27, 2007) – American Samoa is mourning the sudden passing of Associate Judge Sagapolutele Malaeola Anthony. Judge Sagapolutele served the people of American Samoa in all three branches of the government starting with the Department of Education, the Fono (the Legislature of American Samoa), and then the Judicial Branch. Judge Sagapolutele joined bench in 1995. Sagapolutele was also a senior matai (chief) and a senior deacon in the Catholic Church in Ili’ili.

Expressing his condolences, Governor Togiola Tulafono said he was “deeply saddened to learn about the sudden passing of one of American Samoa’s most notable and humble public servants.”

During a moment of silence observed at the High Court, Chief Justice Michael Kruse said the Judicial Branch, judges, and staff mourn the passing of a dear friend.

Judge Sagapolutele is survived by 12 children as well as grandchildren. He passed away at the age of 68.