Portrait of Tommy Magalo Malivao

Obituary · Sacramento, CA

Tommy Magalo Malivao

Published:

Tommy was a kind of man who could walk into a room and change the atmosphere without even trying.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal."
— Irish proverb

The family of Tommy Magalo Malivao of Sacramento, CA announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.

The chapters of his life were many; these are some of them.

Love, when given fully, leaves its mark on every life it touches.

Tommy Magalo Malivao, lovingly known as Bubbz and called Tommy by those closest to him, was born on June 25, 1985, in Kailua, and he passed away on March 25, 2026, in Sacramento, California, following blunt force trauma.

Tommy lived a life that was full of laughter, faith, and a whole lot of personality. He was the kind of man who could walk into a room and change the atmosphere without even trying. He had a gift for making people smile, and he used that gift generously. His humor was quick, his heart was wide open, and his faith in the Lord was steady. Those who knew him best will remember that Tommy did not just talk about love and kindness. He lived them in a way that was real, simple, and unforgettable.

He was a Christian man whose life reflected his desire to serve the Lord. Serving God was not just something he believed in. It was something he practiced through his words, his actions, and the way he cared for others. Tommy had a spirit that was both humble and bold, and he knew how to encourage people while still keeping them laughing. He had that rare ability to tell the truth with love and deliver a joke with perfect timing. If there was ever a man who could make you laugh and think about Jesus in the same breath, it was Tommy.

Tommy worked hard throughout his life, including maintenance at McDonald's and labor work with Nan Inc. He understood the value of honest work and carried himself with pride in every role he took on. He was dependable, willing, and never too proud to do what needed to be done. His work ethic matched his character. He showed up, gave his best, and left a mark on the people around him through his consistency and dedication.

Family was central to Tommy's life, and he cherished the people God placed in his path. He is survived by his wife, Samalaulu Pricilla Sonja Fonoti Malivao. He leaves behind his son, Tommy Christian, his son Prince Richard, and his daughter Talei. He was also preceded in death by his son Malosi. Tommy is remembered with love by Betty Ann Carol Tita June Fele Ivanna Ivane Tusiga Tavianna, his sisters, Kalani Tavita Peresia Faavavau, and his brother Tala, who is deceased, and Fomai. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who were blessed by his presence, his humor, and his love. Tommy's family will forever carry his memory in their hearts, along with the countless stories that will continue to bring both tears and laughter.

Tommy was the kind of person who could turn an ordinary moment into a memorable one. He had a comedian's timing and a believer's heart. He could say something that made everyone laugh, and then, just when people thought they had him figured out, he would speak a word of faith that reminded them of God's goodness. He was funny in a way that felt natural, never forced, and generous in a way that made people feel seen. His presence was a blessing, and his absence will be deeply felt.

One quote that fits Tommy's spirit comes from the beloved comedian Robin Williams, who said, "Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'" Tommy would have appreciated that kind of joy, because he understood that life, even with its struggles, should still be met with gratitude, laughter, and a heart that keeps praising God. He knew how to find light in hard places, and he encouraged others to do the same.

Though Tommy's earthly journey ended far too soon, his life was not defined by the way it ended. It was defined by the way he loved, the way he served, the way he laughed, and the way he trusted the Lord. He was funny, generous, and faith-filled, and those words tell only part of the story. He was a son, a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a worker, a friend, and a servant of God. Most of all, he was a man whose life pointed others toward joy, resilience, and faith.

Tommy Magalo Malivao will be remembered with love, laughter, and deep gratitude for the time shared with him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, in the stories they tell, in the prayers they pray, and in the faith he helped strengthen along the way. May he rest in the peace of Christ, and may those who love him be comforted by the promise that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

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