Aloalii Tavai Alapati

Aloalii Tavai Alapati, known as “Al” or “Alo,” passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the age of 84. He was born on July 13, 1940, in the village of Utulei, American Samoa, to his parents Fiapai and Tasimale Alapati.

Al was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, known for his selflessness, loving nature, playful spirit, and generous heart. He quietly made countless sacrifices for his family, never seeking recognition for all he did. A faithful servant of Christ, Al served as Reverend of the Samoan Assembly of God Church in Fort Bragg for many years and was a longtime member of Berean Baptist Church in Fayetteville, where he worshiped alongside his wife and family.

He made North Carolina his home while serving in the United States Air Force at Pope Air Force Base. It was during that time he met his beloved wife, Betty Alapati, in Fayetteville, NC. True to his generous spirit, Al not only became a husband but also a father to Betty’s four children, welcoming a new daughter into the family at the same time. Together, Al and Betty opened their home to many relatives over the years and raised four of their grandchildren as their own. He believed in empowering others to improve their lives through hard work and education, though he delayed his own educational pursuits to support his family. He later earned degrees from Fayetteville Technical Community College and Campbell University in his late 40s. Al worked in the quality assurance lab at Cargill Inc. for over 30 years, and even in retirement, continued working as a security officer and later as a school crossing guard, a role he found such joy in doing because of the service he felt for his community.

Al cherished the memories of his island upbringing in American Samoa and also embraced his life in North Carolina, where he loved being close to family. His loved ones deeply appreciated his culture and treasured the stories he shared from his island days.

In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his wife Betty (2020); his sister Fofoga and brother Seu; and his stepsons Keith Bowen (1995) and Jimmy Bowen (2000).

He is survived by his brothers Tesimale, Saite and Salei, and sister Tasi; and by his children: Gina Alapati Lopez (Manny), Tina Bowen, and Jason Bowen. His grandchildren—many of whom he raised as his own—include Justin, Zachary (Gloria), and Aiden Lopez; Christina and Gary Williams (Ashley); Angela Hammonds (Tim); Beth Kemplin (Shaun); Shannan Bowen Stevens (Lee); Tai Alapati; Keith Bowen (Ashley); and Michael Bowen (Amber). He also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who loved and admired him dearly.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 27, at Rogers & Breece Funeral Home, 500 Ramsey St., Fayetteville. The service will be officiated by Rev. Manaomia Tauanuu.

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