In loving memory of Jerry Salazar Cardenas, 56, of San Antonio, Texas, who peacefully passed away to eternal rest on September 7th, 2023. He was born on April 13th, 1967, in Detroit Michigan, to his beloved parents Arnulfo and Elvira Cardenas.
Jerry embarked his journey through life growing up in the Cassiano homes, moving to a house on Merida, where he attended Lanier High School and then moved to their final family home on Gold Hill, where graduated from John Jay High School in 1985. Following his passion, he pursued studies in Music at San Antonio College. However, his dreams lead him to a different path, where he chose to become a devoted father, form the band of his dreams, and pursue a career in store management.
Throughout his lifelong career as a Store Manager, Jerry took immense pride in his work. His dedication touched the lives of countless individuals he mentored and led during his years of service. He began his hard working career at Handy Andy as a teenager, rapidly rising through the ranks during his 5 years with them. Subsequently, he served as a Store Manager at H E B for a decade. In his final career chapter, he excelled as a Store Manager at Walmart, contributing to training teams and new store openings, ensuring the success of numerous managers. His tireless efforts and sacrifices provided for his family, enabling his children to partake in enriching activities, attend exceptional schools, and reside in a nurturing neighborhood.
In 2020, he welcomed his third grandchild, Jerry decided to embark on a new chapter, one where he could be present to help raise his grandchildren. He poured his heart into their lives, cherishing each moment, until the day they provided him with the comforting sounds of their presence playing as he was peacefully welcomed to his final resting place by our Heavenly Father.
Jerry’s spirit was infectious, spreading laughter, joy through music, kindness through his selflessness, and wisdom through his many captivating stories. An accomplished musician and drummer, he began his musical journey at the young age of three, rhythmically experimenting on pots and pans in his family’s kitchen. After being given his first pair of drumsticks before taking band at Rhodes Middle School, his passion couldn’t be stopped. It led him to form a band with his best friends called Magnum Opus in his early twenties. Walking out the door to play a show one late night, his eldest daughter threw the most dramatic fit she could to keep him home, and he quit right there on the spot realizing being a father was much more rewarding. From then he had many jam sessions in the garage with his good friends, exposing his children to all kinds of music. Jerry not only taught his own children but all of his nieces and nephews how to read music and play multiple instruments. His children are actively creating music daily, and two of his great nieces are percussionists continuing the generational legacy of music Jerry created.
Jerry’s love story with his wife, Robin L. Cardenas, began in September of 1984, and they remained inseparable since. They exchanged forever vows at Jerry’s parents’ house, surrounded by their family and friends on November 10th, 1990 in San Antonio, Texas. They spent their lives raising their children, traveling and soaking in every moment they had together. Jerry strongly disliked going anywhere without her, and throughout four decades together they faced life’s challenges head-on and raised three exceptionally resilient children.
Jerry’s memory lives on through his loving family, including his wife, Robin; his son, Jerik, the last to carry on the Cardenas name; his daughters, Brittany and Ciana; his cherished grandchildren Ariana, Madison and Eden; his loyal brother, Robert; adoring sisters, Rebecca and Cindy; steadfast brother in laws, Michael and Steve; numerous nieces and nephews he treated as his own children, and nine great nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved. His legacy shall forever resonate within us all.
He is now reunited with his devoted parents, Arnulfo and Elvira Cardenas, resting together in eternal peace as guardian angels to protect their loved ones.
The family has entrusted Trevino Funeral Home with the arrangements for our beloved Jerry.
Visitation and Rosary Service:
Wednesday, September 13th, 2023
5-9pm
Rosary at 7pm
Trevino Funeral Home
226 Cupples Rd. San Antonio, TX 78237
Chapel Service:
Thursday, September 14th, 2023
Open at 8:30am
Service begins at 10:00am
Trevino Funeral Home
226 Cupples Rd. San Antonio, TX 78237
Burial to follow:
San Fernando Cemetery III
1735 Cupples Rd, San Antonio, TX 78226
May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.
“Fight the good fight.” –Jay
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelcupples.com for the Cardenas family.
