Johnny Anthony Gamboa

Johnny Anthony Gamboa passed away peacefully at his home March 5, 2015 in Yakima, WA. He was born on February 3, 1957 in Chicago Hts., Illinois to Melchor and Emma Gamboa. He was the 7th of 10 children. He moved to Wapato in 1965 with his family where he attended school and graduated from Wapato High School.

He loved golfing and shooting pool. His apartment resembled that of a mini tavern because he loved hanging with friends and family and entertaining others. His apartment had hanging liquor signs on the walls, tables with bar stools, dart boards and a pool table in the middle. Many good memories were made with him. Johnny loved spending time with family and friends. He had an infectious personality and one couldn’t help but want to be around him. His main priority was always the love of his life… his mom. His family could always count on him to give a helping hand and he was good at taking orders from his big sister Carmen Miranda. He was adored by his baby sister, Alma Esteras who will greatly miss her other half. He always received the best advice from his sister, Rachael Sayler, who he spent time with, joking, teasing and reminiscing over the good ol’ days.

Johnny is survived by his mom, Emma Gamboa, of Wapato, WA, three children, Jonathan Gamboa, TX, Kristy Edgerly, and Richard (Christina) Gamboa, of Yakima WA., three brothers, Albert Gamboa, Chicago Hts., Illinois, Benito Gamboa, of Wapato, WA., and Ric (LeeAnne) Gamboa, of Seattle, WA., three sisters Carmen Miranda of Yakima, WA., Rachael Sayler (Monty) of Kirkland, WA., and Alma Esters (Ismael) of Tampa, FL.; five grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father Melchor Gamboa, brothers Joe and King Gamboa, sister Rosie Cordova, and nephew Jaime Gamboa.

He will be deeply missed. His family will remember him as a wonderful father, son, brother, grandfather and uncle. My dad was an amazing man who had a big heart and would give you whatever he had. He was always a good time, an uncle that all the nieces and nephews wanted to be with, and a good time listener.

Family visitation will be held at Merritt Funeral Home on Thursday, March 26, 2015 from 4 to 8 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church. Merritt Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.