Estolfo "Sal" Salinas Jr.

MSgt (Ret) Estolfo “SAL” Salinas Jr., passed to eternal life on 26 September 2012 at the age of 56 after a short illness. He was predeceased by his parents Estolfo and Alicia Salinas, daughter Megan Salinas and father-in-law Arturo Cortez.

Surviving him and left to carry on his legacy is the love of his life, wife Rachel C. Salinas; devoted family, son Estolfo E. Salinas III; daughter Liza Marie Salinas (Ian). His pride and joy grandsons, Estolfo A. Salinas IV, Damon E. Salinas and Abraham J. Nelson. Siblings: Mary Salinas (Rudy); Genaro Salinas, Martha Salinas, Jose Salinas (Ernestina) and Yolanda DeLaFuente (Arturo). In-laws: Mama Emma Cortez (Juan), Arturo Cortez, Theresa Cortez, John Cortez and Margaret Cortez (Jose). Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Extended family includes his military and civil service brothers and sisters from Kelly AFB, Lackland AFB and Randolph AFB: the Foundry, the 149th Civil Engineering Squadron, the 433rd MXS Airlift Wing and the Aircraft Maintenance 12th FTW.

My husband was a loyal, loving caring man, always willing to lend a helping hand with a smile. He enjoyed family gatherings, BBQs, working on woodcraft projects, and had a “honey do” list that never seemed to end. He enjoyed working with his hands, always a perfectionist in everything he did at home and at work.

My Honey was a marathon runner, completing 2 half rock-n-roll marathons in 2009 and 2010 and a full marathon in November 2011. Yes, in between everything else he did, he managed to train for and squeeze in a few marathons.

His 37 years of loyal service to his country included tours with the U.S. Navy, Texas Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force. He mentored many young recruits throughout his military career and took pride in their work and achievements. He inspired everyone he touched until his retirement in July 2011.

Our family would like to extend our gratitude to his treating physicians, Dr. H. Hernandez, Dr. E. Benavides, Dr. J. Rao, Dr. N. Roman and all their office staff for their compassion and caring throughout Estolfo’s illness. Also, thank you to Hospice Compassus staff for their gentle and loving care.

We would also like to thank our extended families, military and civil service alike for all their support during the last few months. Special thanks and appreciation to the 433 MXS Airlift Wing for sponsoring the farewell gathering, to be held at United Methodist Church, 300 San Fernando (downtown, block from UTSA campus) after the service on Thursday. May God Bless you all.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations are made to Pancreatic Cancer research.

Estolfo was a wonderful, husband, dad, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was much loved by all and will be greatly missed by everyone he touched. He was an extraordinary man and I’m blessed to have been his wife. Rest in peace my love, free of pain…wait for me and know that my heart will always belong to you.

Visitation will be at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home on Bandera Road, Tuesday, October 2, 2012 from 1:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. with at rosary at 7:00 P.M. Family and friends will meet at 9:00 A.M. for a funeral mass to be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, October 4, 2012 at St. Anthony Claret Catholic Church, 6150 Roft Road 78253. Interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with U.S. Air Force Military Honors.