Oscar Faofua Peniata

Oscar Faofua Peniata, age 79, of Chino, California, returned to his Heavenly Father on September 3, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Born in the village of Mapusaga Fou, American Samoa, to Faofua and Tagisia Peniata, Oscar lived a remarkable life rooted in faith, family, and service. As a child, he experienced a miraculous healing that shaped his testimony and strengthened his devotion to God throughout his life. His journey took him from Samoa to California, where he built a life of hard work, music, and, most importantly, family.

Oscar and his beloved wife, Joanna, shared a marriage built on love, family values, and devotion. Together, they raised their children, Eric (Eryn) Peniata, Aaron (Lousili) Peniata, and Malia (Chad) Lolmaugh, teaching them the values of perseverance, kindness, and service to others. He was a proud grandfather to Brayden Schmitz, Taj Peniata, Marley Peniata, Mele Cadenas, Heialeni Peniata, Fine Cadenas, Murdoc Peniata, Israel Cadenas, Salesi Cadenas, Osa Peniata, Ty Peniata, Tess Lolmaugh, and Nolan Lolmaugh, and was blessed to have a great-grandson, Benjamin Hoffman, who carries forward his legacy into the next generation.

Oscar was preceded in death by his parents, Faofua and Tagisia Peniata; his brother, Muaulu Peniata; and his sisters, Fetuao Manai and Aniva Te'o. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and sisters, Tauave Leota and Teleni Togisala.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Oscar found great joy in serving his church and community. His legacy is one of resilience, generosity, music, and unwavering faith. He will be remembered as a husband who loved deeply, a father who gave endlessly, a grandfather who cherished his posterity, and a friend to all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 22721 Main Street, Carson, California. A viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S. Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, California.