Since originally creating this fundraiser, we have now held our father’s Celebration of Life Funeral Services. Our family is incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us—whether through GoFundMe, Venmo/Zelle, or other offline contributions. Your generosity, prayers, and messages carried us through one of the most difficult times in our lives.
While the services have passed, this fundraiser will remain open as we continue paying the many funeral and memorial expenses associated with honoring our dad. If you still feel moved to contribute, please know that any support continues to help our family tremendously, and we are deeply thankful.
Alexander Mapanao passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 20, 2026. He was a devoted father, husband, uncle, grandfather (both humans and pets), brother, cousin, and friend. He loved music—especially Elvis Presley and Celine Dion—karaoke, camping, fishing, gardening, and sharing good food and drinks at home with family. He was our provider and our protector, caring not only for his children but for the whole family. Quiet but strong like a lion, he showed his love through hard work and sacrifice, always making sure we had food on the table and a roof over our heads. He had a compassionate heart and often gave money to struggling families with children—even if it was his last dollar—because it reminded him of his own childhood hardships. Though he seemed tough on the outside, he was gentle within and opened up to those who truly knew him. At his core, he was outgoing and funny, always joking and laughing to lighten the mood.
He did not go beyond high school but was incredibly smart and resourceful. As a boy in the Philippines, he would find things like broken radios and fix them, a skill and curiosity he carried throughout his life. Our dad was the one we turned to whenever something needed fixing—cars, appliances, anything around the house. Solving problems and repairing things came naturally to him, and we always felt at peace knowing we could count on him. He once dreamed of becoming a scientist but did not have the financial means to pursue it. Even so, he never stopped learning. He loved watching documentaries and the news, and reading the newspaper to better understand the world. His life showed us that education is not only earned in a classroom—it is built through curiosity, resilience, and heart.
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