Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The passing of Senator Alo Dr. Paul Stevenson marks the loss of a distinguished leader whose lifelong service to education, government, and Samoan culture leaves an enduring legacy in American Samoa.

Alo passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 82. He was surrounded by his wife of 60 years, Sharon, their children and grandchildren.

At the time of his passing, Alo was serving in the 39th Legislature as senator for Fagasa, continuing a public service career that spanned generations and touched nearly every sector of the community.

Born with a passion for education, Alo began his professional career as a science teacher at Fagaitua High School before joining the Department of Education’s Division of Curriculum and Instruction. His commitment to academic advancement saw him serve as an educational television instructor and later as chairman of the Science Department. Through years of dedication and leadership, he eventually rose to become Deputy Director of Education.

Alo’s educational journey began at Marist Brothers Primary School in Suva, Fiji, before he graduated from the High School of American Samoa in 1964. He later attended Warren Wilson Junior College in North Carolina, where he met his wife, Sharon.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Mars Hill College, a master’s degree from George Peabody College, and later obtained his doctorate from Brigham Young University.

His career later expanded into the private sector, where he became involved in natural resources, mining and energy industries. He held management positions with major oil companies, including Pacific Resources Inc., Tesoro and British Petroleum. He also established and operated several successful local businesses, among them Lumana’i Development Corporation, Island Lubricants, and Stevenson Trucking.

In 1996, he was bestowed the Alo chiefly title in his home village of Fagasa, a recognition of his leadership and service to his family and village.

Alo also played a memorable role in American Samoa’s fautasi history. During the 2000 Centennial Flag Day celebration, he skippered Fagasa’s fautasi, Fealofani Samoa II, to victory in its very first appearance in the Flag Day regatta — becoming the first fautasi in history to win on debut. That remarkable achievement stood unmatched for 26 years until Nu’uuli’s Manulele Tausala Lowrider II captured this year’s 2026 Flag Day title.

His passion for preserving Samoan heritage remained evident throughout his life. In 2019, he shared Fagasa’s rich fautasi traditions during a Fautasi Heritage Symposium and Exhibition hosted by the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa and the Historic Preservation Office.

Alo first entered the Senate in 2009 and later returned to serve from 2021 to 2024 before being selected again to represent Fagasa in the current Legislature. Throughout his years in the Fono, he chaired both the Senate Education Committee and the Economic Development Committee.

During his first Senate term, he also served as vice chairman of the Senate Select Investigative Committee alongside Chairman Senator Lualemaga E. Faoa. The committee’s investigations resulted in several government officials being referred for prosecution, with some later convicted in federal court.

Beyond the Legislature, Alo served as Eastern District Governor from 2013 to 2016 and again from 2017 to 2020. He also contributed to numerous boards and commissions, including serving on the inaugural board of the Territorial Bank of American Samoa, chairing the American Samoa Petroleum Cooperative Board, and helping establish the Amerika Samoa Bank. He additionally served as chairman of the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce.

A devoted Republican for many years, Alo was honored in 2021 with the Republican Party of American Samoa’s first Patron Award in recognition of his longstanding leadership and service to the community.

His influence extended beyond the Territory as well through his longtime membership on the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council.

His legacy as an educator, businessman, cultural leader and public servant will long be remembered throughout American Samoa. 

He is survived by his wife Sharon, four daughters, one son, and nine grandchildren. Samoa News extends its deepest condolences during this time of loss and mourning.