Senior Chief Tajudeen Ayoola Saka was born on July 28th 1962 to Lamidi and Awawu Saka in Lagos, Nigeria. He was the third of his father’s children, and attended Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School followed by his attendance at Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Isolo, Lagos, Nigeria for both middle school and high school. 

Taj moved to the United States at the age of 19 and Studied Finance at University of Minnesota Twin Cities- Carlson School of Management earning his degree in business management, during this time he was very active in many social and political student organizations, where he built lasting and valuable friendships.

 At the age of 27 Taj joined the United States Navy, motivated at the prospect of being a provider and family values. Taj worked his way up the ranks; and being no stranger to school attended Defense Acquisition University where he mastered his craft of Government Contracting. Any employer, colleague or friend would be unanimous in describing Taj’s character as selfless, generous, and loving. He left a lasting impression that is to be both admired and imitated. Taj was a lover of education and took great pride in his accomplishments completing his MBA Finance at Webster University followed by a second BSC degree in accounting from Norfolk State University which was obtained in 2014 in his own words “this was his greatest accomplishment”. Accounting was Taj’s first love, and he pledged his heart to mastering his field.

Taj proudly served 22 years in the United States Navy and was a Gulf War Veteran; overcoming a mass multitude of obstacles and barriers all while receiving top honors in the duration of his educational and military career, leading by example with his exemplary spirit of service, humility and a plethora of volunteer activities. Taj was a humble and Ginuwine soul, who was proud to share his life’s journey with his peers and the youth. Being a mentor to many was a passion and innate skill that he possessed. When Taj was not honing in on a new skill set, his hobbies included: a love of traveling and seeing the world beyond his doorstep, music, taking photos, and fashion. His sleek style was unlike anyone else’s and he loved to dress to the nine’s. He loved to laugh and joke and found absolute love and adoration around his family and he reciprocated the same love. His family, children and granddaughter were all the apples of his eye. He was known to be a generous provider to many people, affording them good life opportunities including those he wasn’t close with. The family believes that he will now reap his heavenly riches.

 To say that Taj lived a successfully accomplished life would be an understatement. Taj was a trail blazer, breaking down barriers in the United States Navy, rightfully earning the opportunity to be the FIRST Nigerian Senior Chief in the United States Navy. His legacy lives on through his family. Tajudeen, We salute you!

He was preceded in death by his mother, Awawu; grandmother, Alhaja Munirat; brother, Musibau; father, Lamidi; sister, Ruth; Aunt, Iyabo

He leaves to cherish his memories wife; Janet, children; Tanjanina (John), Taibat, Anthony, Tiffany, and Christopher; granddaughter, Kyla; brothers; Lateef, Martin, Shafideen, Fouad, Qudus, sisters; Musili, and, Modinat and a host of family and friends.

The Family will receive friends for a repass at Susan's Banquet Room- 1270 Diamond Springs Rd , Virginia Beach, VA 23455

 Service Information