Salvador Puno Yambao

Jul 30, 1926 -

Jul 7, 2022

Salvador was born on July 30, 1926, in San Vicente, Macabebe, Pampanga, in the Philippines. In the late 1940s, he met and married the love of his life, Emerenciana G. Mercado. Salvador is survived by his children, Noemi and Leon Leal, Adlai and Cristina Yambao, Gerni and Merlyn Yambao, Yanis and Jennifer Yambao, Redentor and Mary Yambao; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Salvador was determined to provide a better future for his family. He decided to immigrate to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1979, to ensure his family would live a fruitful life in America. Here he raised his family that continues to grow, prosper and honor his legacy.

Salvador was a Filipino World War II veteran. On Oct. 27, 2018, he was awarded the Congressional Golden Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, presented to him by Senator Lisa Murkowski for serving his country under USAFFE.

He was highly devoted to his children's education, was a PTA President for San Vicente Ferrer Elementary School and a basketball coach. In 1968, Salvador was sworn in as a council member in his hometown, Macabebe, Pampanga, in the Philippines.

Salvador loved playing cards, basketball, dancing waltz and tango, Nat King Cole music, long walks, bingo and a corona on ice with his family.

He is reunited with his siblings, Constancia Y. Cano and Ricardo Yambao; and his wife, Emerenciana G. Mercado.

Family and friends are welcomed to join a Celebration of Life gathering on Thursday, July 14, 2022, from 1-5 p.m., at St. Anthony Catholic Church.