Aloa Tupua Le’i Jr., lovingly known to his family and friends as “Big Boo”, sadly passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2017. He was the devoted son of Sina “Pepe” Steffany Roe, hero and true role model to his brother Vili “Little Boo” Le’i, loving and caring father to his daughter Steffany Marguerite Le’i of Norman, Oklahoma, loving step-father to Domonique Carneal of Colorado Springs, Colorado, lifelong partner and husband of Rose Marie Le’i of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and truly a proud uncle and mentor to nephew Rudolf Galumalemana Steffany.
Born on February 27, 1959 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C., he was raised in Libya, North Africa, Sacramento, California, Paris, France, and at S.H.A.P.E (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), Belgium. He was a product of DoDDS (Department of Defense Dependent Schools) in Europe. While in high school, he excelled on the gridiron, played basketball, and competed in track and field, receiving numerous medals for shot put and discus. In 1976, having been selected to both the offensive and defensive All Europe Football Team, he was recognized in the Stars and Stripes newspaper as “The Hardest Hitter in Europe” in high school football. Upon leaving Europe, he attended the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) in Washington, D.C.
In 1979, he joined the United States Navy and proudly served aboard the USS Tarawa (an Amphibious Assault Ship) as a helicopter mechanic. After leaving the military, he worked in the construction industry in San Diego, California and Colorado Springs, Colorado, framing and building shipping docks. When he moved to Virginia to help his mother and family, he earned his certification as a floor installer, specializing in both commercial and government applications.
Having spent his formative years growing up in Europe, he developed a lifelong love and appreciation for different cultures, people, cuisine, beer, and wine. When it came to languages, while his Samoan was somewhat questionable, he was fluent in French. He was a die-hard Washington Redskins fan and also enjoyed watching the Washington Nationals and the Washington Capitals. He enjoyed watching old classic movies, most especially British and French comedies. He was fond of jazz and you could always find him with the 70’s oldie station on in his truck or just sitting outside in the garage reminiscing. Throughout his life, no matter where he went or what he was doing, Big Boo always loved his family, was always true to his friends, and was a proud Samoan through and through, never forgetting his family roots in American Samoa.
The family will receive friends at Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home, 4143 Dale Boulevard, Dale City, Virginia 22193 on Saturday, August 19th, 2017 from 10:00 AM until the time of his life celebration at 12:00 PM.
