At 7:20 a.m. on October 12, 2025, heaven gained one of the strongest men I’ve ever known, my Padrino and Tío Joe Salazar. 🤍

From the very beginning, you lived with purpose and pride. You were a Boy Scout and an altar server at St. Xavier Catholic Church, and those early values of faith, respect, and service shaped everything you did. You loved the outdoors, loved your horses, and found peace in the simple moments… the smell of the earth, the sound of an engine, the feeling of freedom.

You spent more than 30 years with Ryder as a diesel mechanic, and another 15 years teaching at El Paso Community College, passing on your knowledge to others with the same precision and pride that defined your work. You weren’t just good at what you did, you were exceptional. You built things that lasted, and people looked up to you because of it.

You taught me how to drive a stick shift, ride a horse, and shoot a gun. You made sure I had my first Cabbage Patch doll and a new holiday Barbie every year when I was growing up. I loved talking with you about cars, engines, and everything in between, and I hope I made you proud that I knew a thing or two myself. 

You were tough, no doubt about it, but underneath that strength was so much love. The love you had for your kids was immeasurable. My only wish is that they truly knew how deeply you loved them, because you never gave up on them, not once. 

Even when life got harder, when you lost your sight, you never lost your humor, your stubborn strength, or your faith. You kept going. You kept laughing. You kept being you.

I know Grandma Socorro was waiting for you with open arms, and there’s no doubt the two of you are together again, probably telling stories, eating great food, laughing, and watching over all of us.

We miss you so much, Tío. Thank you for every lesson, every story, and every ounce of love you gave. You’ll always be with us. 🤍🕊️

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Jose Salazar

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OBITUARY

Jose A Salazar

February 15, 1951 – October 12, 2025

Hillcrest Funeral Home

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