Edward Salazar Valencia

"Ed" was a WWII Veteran who enlisted in the United States Army in 1943, the same year he and his wife, Nellie, were married. While serving in the Pacific Theater of Operations in the Philippines, he was wounded in combat and recovered after a 7-month hospital stay. He earned a Purple Heart and was honorably discharged in 1945. He did not receive his Purple Heart medal, however, until 58 years later at the age of 79. It was presented to him at a meaningful ceremony by Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, with his family in attendance. Ed was a hardworking man, who always provided for his family. After leaving the military, he worked for many years as a machine engraver at Miller Dial & Name Plate Company. He later had an opportunity to own and operate 2 Shell Gas Stations. After that endeavor, he worked at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, as a department supervisor, until the company moved out of state. After his "forced" retirement from Goodyear, Ed went to work for the Baldwin Park School District as head custodian at Baldwin Park High School. While working there, he enjoyed coaching students in tennis and badminton, as well. At the age of 62, he and a few of the high school staff trained for, ran and completed the 26.2 mile Long Beach Marathon. He also ran in several 5 & 10k races in the following years. Ed retired from Baldwin Park in 1989 at the age of 65.

Aside from enjoying his family, and loving every minute of it, Ed enjoyed many sports, which included tennis, golf and bowling. He loved golfing in the senior league at Santa Anita Golf Course and, while playing there, he made a hole in one in 2000. That was quite a happy moment, not only for Ed, but for his teammates as well. He was also an above average bowler. He and his wife, Nellie, enjoyed many years of bowling at Covina Bowl, where he bowled a 300 game in 2006, and at West Covina Lanes. They bowled twice a week, up until a few years ago, and made many wonderful friends over the years.

Ed is survived by his wife of 78 years, Nellie. Together they had five children; Terry (Manny), Ed (Hilary), Lydia (Gary), Joe, and Kathy (Steve). They have 10 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. His daughter, Terry and son-in-law, Steve, preceded him in death.

Ed will be greatly missed forever but will remain forever in our hearts.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Funerariadelangelchino.com for the Valencia family.