Honoring Tate Antoine Salambongo's Life and Legacy

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved maternal grandfather, Antoine Salambongo—affectionately known to us as “Tate,” the Congolese Swahili word for grandpa. Tate Salambongo unexpectedly departed from us on September 1st, 2025(Memorial Day). He was 108 years old—a remarkable age that reflected a life full of resilience, perseverance, hard work, and grace. Just a week before his passing, he had undergone his annual check-up and was given a clean bill of health, with nothing more than a multivitamin prescribed. Despite his age, up until death he remained vibrant and independent: feeding himself, showing physical strength, and engaging warmly in conversations with those around him.

His sudden departure has left us stunned. It was entirely unexpected, and we find ourselves overwhelmed with grief, confusion, and a deep sense of unpreparedness. The loss is profound, and the sorrow is immeasurable.

Tate Salambongo was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and even great-great-grandfather—a true patriarch whose love spanned generations. Known for his unwavering devotion to his Catholic faith, he prayed the rosary daily, not only for his family but for strangers as well. His spiritual life was deeply personal and beautifully expressive.

One of his most memorable traditions was his unique way of giving blessings: he would gently draw a cross on your forehead using his saliva. It might seem a little uncommon—but to those who received it, it was a sacred gesture, believed to carry a power and sincerity like no other.

He was also known for his deep joyful laughter that could fill a room, and for his love of music—dancing, singing, and drumming were his ways of celebrating life. Above all, his heart belonged to God, and he lived each day with humility, generosity, and faith.

His passing has left an enormous void in our lives. We are doing our best to navigate this grief, holding tightly to the love he gave so freely. He leaves behind his devoted wife and a vast lineage of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy of faith, joy, and selflessness.

We are raising funds to help cover the costs of my grandfather’s funeral and memorial service. While our mother has generously covered the expense of his burial plot, we are still in need of support for the remaining costs—including funeral home services, transportation, and other arrangements required to give him the dignified farewell he so deeply deserves. These unexpected expenses have placed a significant financial strain on our family, and we are humbly reaching out for help during this difficult time. Our goal is to raise approximately $15,000, and every contribution—no matter the amount—will help ease the burden and allow us to focus on honoring Tate Salambongo's life and legacy.

Tate Salambongo touched countless lives with his faith, warmth, and wisdom. We want to celebrate that legacy with a service that reflects the love and light he brought into the world. If you’re unable to donate, simply sharing this campaign would mean more than you know.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers.

With love and gratitude,

The Salambongo and Tombo Family