Gary Malaela Te’o

Gary Malaela Te’o, 69, of Gilbert Arizona passed away peacefully at home on June 4, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. Gary was born on March 23, 1957, in Vaiola, Savai’i, Western Samoa. He was the second of three children and oldest son born to Malaela Ieti Te’o and Toefuata’ina Ma’oti Nautu while serving at the Vaiola school of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Gary spent his early childhood always near a settlement of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and always around family. Though quiet, Gary was very competitive with a sly sense of humor and a kind sensitive heart. Gary was a natural athlete and excelled at every sport he participated in. Gary attended and graduated from Kahuku High School in 1975 where he was an All-Star in football and also played basketball. He later attended and played football at Compton Junior College in Compton California and later at Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher, Arizona where he met and married Elaine Marett. Growing up, he loved camping and hiking especially during the summer ward camps. He loved sports and tried them all. Football, basketball, baseball, boxing, volleyball and rugby. He was a big time Los Angeles Rams, Lakers and Dodgers fan.

He joined the U.S. Marines shortly after getting married and traveled on floats giving him the opportunity to see the world. His professional life included working in maintenance at BYU-Hawaii, Roofing contractor in Fort Worth, Texas, Airline Ramp Agent, and Maintenance Supervisor Contractor at Utah Rail.

Gary’s greatest joy was his boys and grandchildren. His grandchildren were always a part of his conversations, and he beamed when he spoke of them. Gary is survived by his sons Gary Lee Malaela, Aaron Te’o Malaela, daughter-in-law Karalee, grand-daughters Kinlee and Lainee and grandsons Malakai and Jude. He is also survived by brother Larry Malaela Te’o; nephews Jason Hartvigsen, Jared Te’o, nieces Jessica Te’o, Allyson Te’o, Rebecca Te’o and Sarah-Jean Taufa. He was preceded in death by his parents Malaela Ieti Te’o and Toefuata’ina Ma’oti Te’o and sister Ofa Malaela Te’o.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on June 29, 2026 at 11:30am at 21320 S. Greenfield Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85298. A luncheon will follow the celebration of life service.