Andrew Ah Po Jr.

Andrew “Andy” Ah Po Jr. passed away in Sacramento, CA. on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; sons, Anthony, Sr. and Edwin; daughters, Annette, Lisa, Andrea; step daughter, Anjennette; grandchildren, Anthony Jr., BreAnna, Lillianna, Malina, Kainoa, Kawai, Raishell, Ayani, Sophia, Violet, and great-grandchildren Kaleo and Keoni. He was born on May 22, 1941, in Hilo, HI to Andrew Sr. and Aldine Ah Po. He was the oldest of 4 children, followed by his brother, Leighton, and sisters, Yvette and Tammy.

Andy worked for the State of California for over 25 years and retired as a Bureau Chief with the Department of Social Services. He was responsible for the advancement and upward mobility of several minority State employees who worked under him.

He had an early start in martial arts at the age of 6, starting with Sil Lum Gung Fu and eventually achieving Black Belts in Jiu Jitsu, Aikido, and Japanese Karate. At Farrington High School in Oahu, he was involved in ROTC and a variety of activities – choir, musicals, and student government. He was also a member of a popular singing group, the Metronomes, consisting of himself and four high school friends. The Metronomes were placed in several talent shows and performed all over Waikiki.

After graduating from Farrington High School in 1959, he joined the US Air Force and was stationed at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, CA. This marked the beginning of his lifelong training in the Korean martial art, Tang Soo Do. He attained the rank of Grandmaster and became one of the most well-respected, revered senior practitioners with over 75 years of experience. He was referred to as “The Godfather” of Tang Soo Do. He continued to share his knowledge, wisdom, and expertise with those who sought it until his passing.

In addition to his passion for martial arts, Andy also had a passion for activism for the Native Hawaiian / Asian Pacific Islander communities. It ignited a flame in him. For more than half a century, Andy went on to help promote, preserve, and advocate for the rights and benefits of the Native Hawaiian / Asian Pacific Islander communities. He was a strong political advocate and considered a kupuna (elder) advisor within the community.

Andy was one of the founding members of KA HA and was the first appointed member from the mainland to sit on the Board of Directors of the Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA). Other Hawaiian organizations he helped establish were and not limited to – Hui O’ Hawaii of Sacramento, ONIPAA, Kanaka Maoli O Kaleponi. He was also one of the founding members of Dan’s Hawaiiana’s, a group of Hawaiians sharing their love of Hawaiian culture through mele (song) and hula throughout California and Hawaii. These deep roots helped build the foundation for some of today’s Hawaiian organizations in Sacramento.

Andy was a dedicated family man, and his ohana (family) was his pride and joy. When he had visitors, he would beam with pride whenever he talked about his children and grandchildren. His love and devotion to his ohana was second to none. He was an avid leader, educator, mentor, and friend. He has made an everlasting imprint and will never be forgotten.

A private service will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Calvary in Citrus Heights, CA. A Celebration of Life will be held in the months to come and will be open to the public. Further details will be provided once finalized.