In Loving Memory of

D'Cory "Koli" Lamana Sauni

November 4, 1997 - September 27, 2026

With heavy hearts and immeasurable love, we honor the life of D'Cory "Koli" Lamana Sauni, who passed away on September 27, 2026, at the age of 28. Though his time on this earth was far too short, the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the memories he created will remain with us forever.

Born in Michigan and raised primarily in Los Angeles, Cory was a man whose presence could bring life into any room he walked into. He had a heart that seemed too big for his own chest, a spirit that drew people toward him, and a laugh that could make everyone around him smile. When Cory laughed, he laughed with his whole heart, pure, and unfiltered joy. His laughter was contagious, his presence unforgettable, and his ability to make people feel something simply by being himself was one of his greatest gifts.

To know Cory was to know a giant teddy bear. Beneath his strength was a gentle soul who loved deeply, cared endlessly, and put others before himself. He was the kind of person who wanted the people around him to feel safe, supported, and loved. He gave so much of himself to others, often placing their needs ahead of his own. His heart was generous, his loyalty ran deep, and the love he shared was unconditional.

Cory proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Yeoman First Class (YN1). His service was more than a uniform or a rank; it was a reflection of his commitment to others and the responsibility he carried as a leader.

One of the things that made Cory special was how fiercely he protected his junior Sailors. He looked out for them, cared about their well-being, and understood that leadership meant more than giving direction. It meant standing beside people, advocating for them, and making sure they knew someone had their back.

The same protective heart he carried into his personal life followed him into his service. To those who served alongside him, Cory was more than a fellow Sailor. He was someone whose humanity mattered, someone whose presence made a difference, and someone whose impact extended beyond the duties he performed.

His legacy as a Sailor will live on through the people he supported, the memories he created, and the example he left behind. He served his country, but he also served the people around him through his compassion, loyalty, and willingness to put others first.

Above all, Cory loved his family. He took pride in his Samoan culture, loved cheering on the Raiders, and had a special place in his heart for animals. His favorite animal was the wolf, and he also had a deep love for turtles.

Wolves, often associated with loyalty, strength, and protection, offer a fitting reflection of the qualities those closest to Cory knew so well. He was protective of the people he loved, loyal to those who stood beside him, and deeply connected to the bonds that made people family. Like a pack that looks after its own, Cory cared fiercely for his people and wanted them to know they belonged.

His love for turtles held a special meaning connected to his understanding of Samoan culture. For Cory, gifting someone a turtle represented seeing that person as family-a meaningful gesture of love, connection, and belonging. It was a beautiful reflection of how he viewed relationships and the importance of welcoming people into your heart.

To Cory, family was more than blood. It was about the people you loved, the people you stood beside, and the people you chose to show up for. Whether connected through culture, friendship, service, or love, the bonds he built were something to be treasured.

These passions reflected the many sides of Cory: the strength of a protector, the loyalty of a wolf, the cultural pride he carried, and the tenderness of a giant teddy bear. They were pieces of his identity that his loved ones will continue to cherish and carry forward.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Alicia Corona-Sauni; his daughter, Aubree Sauni; his son, Kyhmoni Sauni; and his best friend, Jay Zilton, along with extended family, friends, fellow Sailors, and all those whose lives were made brighter by knowing him.

To his children, his love will forever be part of their story. To his wife, the memories of their life together will always hold a place in her heart. To his best friend and everyone who stood beside him, the moments they shared will remain a treasured part of his legacy.

Though his loved ones must now learn to navigate a world without his physical presence, they will continue to find him in the stories they tell, the laughter they share, the traditions they carry forward, and the love they give to one another.

Cory was someone who believed deeply in energy and the importance of speaking with intent. He understood that the energy we bring into a room, the words we choose, and the intentions behind our actions can leave lasting impressions on the people around us.

He believed that what we put into the world matters. Our words matter. Our presence matters. The way we make people feel matters.

Cory had a way of bringing life into a room, and his laughter could turn an ordinary moment into a memory that would last for years. He reminds us that the energy we share with others can become something they carry long after we have left their presence.

In his memory, may we become more mindful of the words we speak and the energy we bring into the lives of others. May we choose kindness when we can, compassion when someone is struggling, and love even when life becomes difficult. May we speak with purpose, act with intention, and remember that we may never fully understand the impact we have on another person's life.

Cory's life reminds us that the smallest interactions can leave the deepest impressions. A conversation, a laugh, a check-in, or a simple reminder that someone matters can mean more than we will ever know.

May we honor him by being intentional with our love, protecting the people who need us, and making sure the people around us feel seen, heard, and valued.

Cory gave so much of himself to others. He was someone who cared deeply, protected those around him, and wanted the people he loved to be okay. His life reminds us of something we must never forget: even the people who bring the most light into our lives deserve to be checked on, listened to, and cared for.

Sometimes, the people who show up for everyone else need someone to show up for them, too.

In Cory's memory, may we learn to ask one another how we are truly doing-and take the time to listen to the answer. May we replace assumptions with compassion, silence with understanding, and judgment with kindness. May we recognize that people do not have to reach a breaking point or find the perfect words to deserve support.

Mental health matters. Reaching out matters. Listening without judgment matters. And reminding someone that they are loved, valued, and not alone can make a difference.

Let Cory's memory inspire us to check on our friends, our family, our brothers and sisters in uniform, and the people who always seem to be okay. Make the phone call. Send the message. Sit beside someone who is struggling. Give people room to be honest about what they are feeling, without fear of being judged or dismissed.

We must create a world where asking for help is met with compassion, where people are heard before they reach a crisis, and where no one feels they must carry their pain alone.

May we carry forward the love Cory gave so freely by giving that same love to one another. May his story encourage us to look beyond appearances, to be more intentional in our relationships, and to remember that every life has value, even when someone is struggling to see it for themselves.

Speak with intent. Lead with love. Be mindful of the energy you bring into someone's life. You never know how much your words, your presence, or a simple act of kindness may mean to someone who is silently struggling.

This is one way we can continue Cory's legacy: by showing up for one another, by choosing compassion, and by making sure the people we love know they do not have to face life's darkest moments alone.

Until We Meet Again

Cory, you were deeply loved in this life, and that love does not end here.

Our hearts ache for the time we should have had with you, for the memories still waiting to be made, and for all the moments we wish we could share with you again. Yet, even in our grief, we are grateful for every moment, every laugh, every story, and every piece of yourself you gave to us.

We will carry you forward in the way we love our families, protect those who need us, honor our culture, stand beside our brothers and sisters, and look out for one another. We will tell your stories, laugh at the memories, and speak your name so that the world never forgets the man behind it.

We will remember the giant teddy bear with the unforgettable laugh. The Sailor who protected his junior Sailors. The husband, father, and best friend who loved deeply. The man who believed in energy, intention, and the power of words. The proud Samoan who understood the meaning of family. The Raiders fan. The turtle lover. The wolf lover. The man whose heart left an impression on so many lives.

Though we can no longer hold you in our arms, we will carry you in our hearts. Your story will continue through the people you loved, the memories you left behind, and the kindness we choose to give because we knew you.

May Allah surround you with His mercy and grant peace and comfort to all those who mourn your loss. May those who love you find strength in one another and comfort in the memories that will never fade.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.

Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return. - Qur'an 2:156

Forever our Cory. Forever our Koli. Forever loved. Never forgotten. Always with us.