Samuel Etsuro Tashiro

Samuel (Sam) Etsuro Tashiro, born in Salinas, CA, on September 29, 1940, passed away on
September 4, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was a 1959 graduate of Salinas High
School. Sam served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, where he studied Police Science. After
his service, he returned to Salinas and dedicated 33 years to the Salinas Police Department,
retiring as a Sergeant in 2000.
During his time as a police officer, Sam served as President of the Salinas Police Officer's
Association. Throughout his career as an officer Sam helped many people get their lives back on
track, offering guidance and support when they needed it most. He was generous with his time
and resources, always willing to help family and friends in need. Through his kindness, Sam
improved the quality of life for many families-impacting lives in ways he may never have fully
realized.
Sam was an avid weightlifter and enjoyed staying active. He played baseball for the Salinas
Police Officer's Association for several years. He coached "The Originals" women's softball
team for 23 years. He loved spending time camping and water skiing with family and friends and
also had a passion for fishing, traveling to Las Vegas, and collecting classic cars throughout the
years.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Hisao (Harry) and Michiko Tashiro. He is survived by
his sisters, Barbara Cuesta and Nancy Akiyoshi, his children, Renate (Manny) Geronimo, Mako
Tashiro, and Keith (Amy) Tashiro, his grandchildren, Jenieve, Ryan, Brittnie, Kristopher, and
Ruthie, and great-grandchildren, Aiden and Leia.
Sam's dedication to family, friends, and his community will be fondly remembered by all who
knew him. He will missed by many.