Tom Lucero Salazar

September 23, 1949 – November 6, 2026

Tom Salazar, 77, of El Paso, Texas, passed away on November 6, 2026. Born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Tom lived a life defined by courage, hard work, service, adventure, and, above all, love for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, Vietnam veteran, public servant, and friend whose life touched many.

At just 18 years old, Tom was drafted into the United States Army in 1970 to serve during the Vietnam War. As a combat medic, he risked his own life to care for wounded soldiers. For his heroic actions, including helping save the life of a commanding general, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. His bravery, compassion, and dedication to others remained defining qualities throughout his life.

Following his military service, Tom attended New Mexico State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1976. He remained a proud Aggie throughout his life. It was also at NMSU that he met the love of his life, Mary Rosas, in an advanced tennis class. They married in 1976 and shared 50 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, and adventure.

Tom began his career as a manager with Kmart, taking his family to Albuquerque, New Mexico; Sterling, Colorado; and Odessa, Texas. During this time, Tom and Mary welcomed their first daughter, Jessica. Eventually settling in El Paso, Tom began a new chapter in public service as a United States Customs Officer with Customs and Border Protection, where he dedicated many years to serving his community. It was there that Tom and Mary welcomed their second daughter, Joanna. Tom took great pride in his work and, most importantly, in providing for and raising his family.

Tom shared a particularly special bond with his beloved niece, Sylvia Tellez, whose relationship with him was much like that of a father and daughter. He took great pride in her accomplishments, celebrated her milestones, and cherished the holidays and special moments they spent together. During his final chapter, Sylvia lovingly helped care for him and remained by his side, providing companionship, comfort, and love. Their bond was a treasured part of Tom's life and will forever be remembered.

Tom became a proud grandfather with the arrival of Justin in 2004 and Jackson in 2018. His grandsons brought him another generation of happiness, and he took great pride in watching them grow and being part of their lives. Tom also gained a son-in-law in Jim, but their relationship grew into much more than that. He loved Jim as a son and considered him one of his best friends.

Outside of work and family, Tom enjoyed traveling, especially to Las Vegas, visiting casinos, attending sporting events, shopping, dining out, and exploring farmers' markets. He loved tending to his backyard and cheering on his beloved New Mexico State Aggies and Denver Broncos.

Tom also had a special place in his heart for animals, and his beloved pets were always family. He cherished Olivia, Asher Gray, and Moxie. He loved taking the dogs for car rides, visiting the park, and making special McDonald's stops. He also especially enjoyed visiting his grand-fur babies in Las Cruces: Sandy the dog, and cats Denzel, Artemis, Aurora, Destiny, Blackie Guinness Extra Stout. Spending time with his pets and grand-fur babies brought him endless happiness and companionship. He also enjoyed caring for the many birds that gathered around his home.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Feliciano and Paula Salazar; his sisters, Mary Moreno and Angie Salazar; and his brothers, Andres and Chemo Salazar.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary Rosas Salazar; his daughters, Jessica Salazar and Joanna Wiseman (Jim); his grandsons, Justin Salazar and Jackson Wiseman; his brother, Juan Salazar; his beloved niece, Sylvia Tellez (David); and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends, along with his treasured animals.

Tom leaves behind a legacy of courage, perseverance, loyalty, and unconditional love. From his service to his country to the family he worked so hard to build, he lived a life of purpose and devotion. He will be remembered for his strength, sense of humor, love of adventure, and the kindness he showed to people and animals alike.

A hero in service, an Aggie at heart, a devoted family man, and a loyal friend to every animal he welcomed into his life. Forever loved. Forever remembered. ❤️ 🇺🇸

Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest West, La Estrella, 5054 Doniphan Dr., El Paso, Texas 79932, on November 17, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A Rosary will take place at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest West, La Estrella, 5054 Doniphan Dr., El Paso, Texas 79932, on November 17, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1551 Belvidere St, El Paso, TX 79912, on November 18, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. A Committal Service with Military Honors will be held at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906, US, on November 18, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. A Reception will be held at Los Jarrones, 170 Redd Rd., El Paso, TX 79932, on November 18, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.