Birth date: Oct 1, 1954 Death date: Mar 26, 2026
John E. Salbedo, a man who never needed the spotlight to shine, passed away at his home in Waialua, Hawaii on March 26, 2026 at the age of 71. Born in Pu’unene, Maui on October 1, 1954 and raised in Kihei as the eldest of 9 to Li Read Obituary
My dad was an incredible man who worked hard throughout our lives to provide for us. He followed a strict schedule, leaving for work around 4 a.m. to beat traffic and returning after 6 p.m. Every night, my four older siblings and I followed a routine of chores and homework, ending with us lining up at 8 p.m. Like clockwork, each of us would say, "Goodnight Dad, goodnight Mom, I love you, see you tomorrow," and we would head off to bed.
Every weeknight, I remember being so excited trying to race my mom to open the front gate so he could seamlessly drive up and park without getting out, and I would happily greet him as he came home. He would sit at the dining room table with a six-pack of Miller Lite and pupus like boiled peanuts (my favorite) or dried aku. Occasionally, he would surprise me with those $0.99 yellow goodie bags. He would listen to my mom’s stories about our day, either praising us for good behavior or lecturing/disciplining us for the Kolohe behaviors. Though I was a good student in advanced classes (I even did my two older brothers' homework) I often saved some math work I already understood just so I could ask him for help and stay up a little later. It was my way of spending extra quality time with him. I’m sure he knew what I was doing, but no matter how tired he was, he always took the time to help me. While he was preoccupied with my "homework," my brothers would sneakily watch the livingroom TV from the hallway with only their heads peeking out. My sister could stay on the secret house phone we would plug in our bedroom talking to her best friend a bit longer. It was a win-win for all of us! This is one of the great memories that defined most of my childhood.
My dad was my favorite person and I truly wish I had more time with him!
Until we meet again, “somewhere over the rainbow bridge!”
