Frank Samuel Yazalina was born in Portland, Oregon on March 18, 1930 to Florence Sirianni and Frank Yazalina. He passed away on February 9, 2021 at the age of 90. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Shirley, the love of his life! He is also survived by his three daughters, Susan, Julie, and Kathy, their husbands Mike, Chris, and Brent, 6 grandchildren Amanda, Emily, Nicole, Jack, Julia, and Sophia, and grandson-in-law Greyson.

Frank was the first in his family to be born in the United States. He grew up mainly in Southeast Portland and graduated from Franklin High School. He was involved in the vocal music department and drama. He then attended the University of Portland. Frank joined the Navy for 4 years, serving in the Korean War. He started as Fireman Striker and was promoted to Radioman 2nd Class. He was awarded many honorary medals.

After returning home, he joined the Portland Police Bureau and retired there after 30 years. He worked in the Traffic Division riding a three wheel motorcycle, then moved to the Juvenile Division, and ended his career as Officer Friendly, teaching safety to children in Portland schools. He returned to college to finish his degree in 1976 at the University of Portland. After retiring from the Police force, he worked as a Deputy Federal Marshal for 8 years and then an AARP driving instructor for 16 years.

Frank married Shirley Jean Poleo on June 28, 1958 at St. Rose Catholic Church. They lived in Parkrose and attended St. Therese Catholic Church for 55 years. Frank and Shirley enjoyed traveling together. They explored South America, the Panama Canal, and visited Europe numerous times.

The highlight of Frank’s travels were trips with his family. They went on a Mediterranean cruise for their 50th Anniversary and one of their favorite memories was the connected balconies where the kids could run back and forth between the rooms. The family took numerous trips to Hawaii where he enjoyed playing games and playing the ukulele with his grandchildren, and watching them swim in the pool.

Frank loved to camp, travel, and play music with his three daughters. He loved having such a close family and always enjoyed celebrating every birthday and holiday together. Frank also cherished his time with his grandchildren. He was always happy, kind, gentle, and caring. He was supportive and ready to help when his girls and grandchildren needed him.

One of Frank’s favorite hobbies was music. He loved to play the piano, guitar, and ukulele. You could always find him playing his uke and singing to anyone who would listen! Another activity Frank enjoyed was making rosaries. He would say a prayer as he added each bead to the rosary and would say the rosary in honor of someone in his family. He made over a thousand rosaries and sent them to missionaries around the world. He also enjoyed photography and had a dark room in his house.

Frank shared a secret with his favorite daughter: Each daughter thought they were his favorite. Many years later they found out they were all his favorite! That became an inside joke in the family. He loved his family with all his heart!

He will live in their hearts forever!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Frank’s name to the American Heart Association.