Obituary for Mafatini Taimane-Laititi (Little Diamond) Mafatini III
We were blessed with a beautiful sunrise on May 12, 2003, with the birth of our precious “Little Diamond”, Mafatini Taimane-Laititi Mafatini III, affectionately called “Mane Boy” by those whom loved him most. Hailing from beautiful Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii, and while pursuing his dream in playing football in college, and while attending Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, our sweet son was called back home to his Heavenly Father on the sunset of October 3, 2021.
He is the beloved son of and is survived by his mom and dad, Kaila and Leroy Mafatini Jr. And his big sister Jazzmyn Tinoi-Lia Kaila Mafatini, Raudy (brother-in-law), big brother Leroy Tama-Lelei Andre Mafatini Jr. III, and younger sisters: Talosaga Teine-Lelagi Mafatini, Tatiana Telesia-Lealalasagaoali’i Mafatini, Teuila Talitonu-Lealofamoni Ho’olaua’e Mafatini, and his baby sister, number seven of the bunch, his best friend, his “pork chops”, Anelu Tagiloimatafiafia-Leomalie Ku’uleikeilaha Mafatini, Krystal-Andre Kalima, and his adoring two nieces Vaimeli and Davina. Also survived by his maternal grandmother Sheilah Kalima and paternal grand uncle and aunts Joe Semeli, Tu’u Semeli and Diane Semeli. And by our extended families and grandparents, including uncles, aunties, and cousins, from near and far, both in this life and the next.
With older siblings on their own, Mane took over big brother and eldest sibling responsibilities. He loved and adored all of his younger sisters especially the baby, and would care for and protect them from all hurt or harm. He was dad’s right hand man in all things, taking care of mom and the babies, taking care of the house and the yard, but more importantly, taking care of and being a confidant and loving son, to his dad, his best friend. He had his back no matter what.
Mane was our gentle giant at home and afar but a force to be reckoned with on the court or on the field which is where he loved and longed to be the most. He was always respectful especially with his elders.
He always stood up for those whom needed a little louder voice or a few more inches in height to make known, “not while I’m here”. He was a leader of many but more importantly a team player with all. He loved lifting weights and watching football with his dad, he loved playing basketball and games with his youngers, singing, rapping, and playing music with his olders. He loved up on his nieces and had a tender loving heart for his grandma Sheilah whom he adored. He was always respectful, loving, helpful and supportive to his mama.
Mane attended Wailuku Elementary, Iao Intermediate, and Baldwin High schools and graduated c/o 2021. He was smart, kind, and considerate in the classroom. And he was a standout athlete from the time he was born, with his mama’s first words being, “look at the size of his hands and feet!” He started playing football at 5 years old, and never stopped. He would soon pick up basketball and track and field events as well. He was always someone the “other team” looked out for. Mane could always walk his talk but if they were fortunate enough to know him, he played with respect for the game but more importantly respect for people. It carried both on and off the field where it counted the most.
He was and continues to be very much loved and praised by his mom and dad, his family, his friends, his teammates and all those whom were able to feel his BIG LOVE he had for them. Keep on smiling keep on shining my sweet son! We love you Mane Boy! Fly high with the angels my love!
FUNERAL SERVICES: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kahului Stake Center located at 125 West Kamehameha Avenue, Kahului, Hawaii 96732. Viewing: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Service to follow: 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Face mask and social distancing required.
He is the beloved son of and is survived by his mom and dad, Kaila and Leroy Mafatini Jr. And his big sister Jazzmyn Tinoi-Lia Kaila Mafatini, Raudy (brother-in-law), big brother Leroy Tama-Lelei Andre Mafatini Jr. III, and younger sisters: Talosaga Teine-Lelagi Mafatini, Tatiana Telesia-Lealalasagaoali’i Mafatini, Teuila Talitonu-Lealofamoni Ho’olaua’e Mafatini, and his baby sister, number seven of the bunch, his best friend, his “pork chops”, Anelu Tagiloimatafiafia-Leomalie Ku’uleikeilaha Mafatini, Krystal-Andre Kalima, and his adoring two nieces Vaimeli and Davina. Also survived by his maternal grandmother Sheilah Kalima and paternal grand uncle and aunts Joe Semeli, Tu’u Semeli and Diane Semeli. And by our extended families and grandparents, including uncles, aunties, and cousins, from near and far, both in this life and the next.
With older siblings on their own, Mane took over big brother and eldest sibling responsibilities. He loved and adored all of his younger sisters especially the baby, and would care for and protect them from all hurt or harm. He was dad’s right hand man in all things, taking care of mom and the babies, taking care of the house and the yard, but more importantly, taking care of and being a confidant and loving son, to his dad, his best friend. He had his back no matter what.
Mane was our gentle giant at home and afar but a force to be reckoned with on the court or on the field which is where he loved and longed to be the most. He was always respectful especially with his elders.
He always stood up for those whom needed a little louder voice or a few more inches in height to make known, “not while I’m here”. He was a leader of many but more importantly a team player with all. He loved lifting weights and watching football with his dad, he loved playing basketball and games with his youngers, singing, rapping, and playing music with his olders. He loved up on his nieces and had a tender loving heart for his grandma Sheilah whom he adored. He was always respectful, loving, helpful and supportive to his mama.
Mane attended Wailuku Elementary, Iao Intermediate, and Baldwin High schools and graduated c/o 2021. He was smart, kind, and considerate in the classroom. And he was a standout athlete from the time he was born, with his mama’s first words being, “look at the size of his hands and feet!” He started playing football at 5 years old, and never stopped. He would soon pick up basketball and track and field events as well. He was always someone the “other team” looked out for. Mane could always walk his talk but if they were fortunate enough to know him, he played with respect for the game but more importantly respect for people. It carried both on and off the field where it counted the most.
He was and continues to be very much loved and praised by his mom and dad, his family, his friends, his teammates and all those whom were able to feel his BIG LOVE he had for them. Keep on smiling keep on shining my sweet son! We love you Mane Boy! Fly high with the angels my love!
FUNERAL SERVICES: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kahului Stake Center located at 125 West Kamehameha Avenue, Kahului, Hawaii 96732. Viewing: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Service to follow: 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Face mask and social distancing required.