Sione L. Kaafi

On Saturday, October 8, 2022, Sione L. Kaafi, beloved husband of Akosita (Vivili) Kaafi, loving father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly in Teaneck, NJ at the age of sixty-nine.
Sione was born on February 23, 1953, in Tefisi, Vava’u, Tonga, a son of Penisimani and Susana (Tangulu) Kaafi.
He was raised and educated in Tonga until the age of fourteen, before immigrating to the United States and residing in Chicopee for over 40 years.
By trade, Sione was a heavy Equipment Operator, working in road construction and landscaping for several years.
He was a former employee of Taylor Davis in Amherst and later owned and operated his own landscaping business.
Sione was also an educator who taught Polynesian customs at Trinity College in Hartford.
He loved to perform many live Polynesian shows at the former Hu Ke Lau in Chicopee and other Polynesian events throughout the country.
When Sione wasn’t working or performing, you could find him on the golf course enjoying a relaxing round with his friends.
He leaves behind his wife Akosita of Chicopee, children, Janine LaRue and her husband, Jason of South Hadley, Benjamin Kaafi of Sarasota, FL, Susana DesLauriers and her husband, David, Daniel Kaafi and his wife, Samantha, and James Iongi all of Chicopee, cherished grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Sione “John” Kaafi, Jr.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, October 21, for calling hours for Sione from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 376 Maple St., Springfield, MA.
Sione’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 22, at 10 a.m. in the church. His burial will be private. For online condolences please visit www.brunellefuneralhome.com