Jose E. Cristales

Jose was born in El Salvador on April 25, 1937, to his parents Carmen Martinez de Cristales and Alfredo Cristales. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his brothers Alfredo Cristales and Salvador Cristales; his sister Amanda Dueñas and cousin raised as his sister, Carmen Solis; and his son, Jose Cristales.

Jose graduated from the National School of Commerce in 1959 and continued his studies at the National University, completing his degree in 1962. In 1965, he trained in computer programming with IBM, launching a 40 year career as an Advisory Systems Engineer, during which he taught and mentored many. He spent over 14 years with IBM, a short time with Wells Fargo, and ultimately more than 25 years with Bank of America, where he retired in 2006.

Throughout his career, Jose earned multiple professional honors, including IBM’s Recognition Award for Professional Performance in 1972, the Professional Excellence Award in 1974, and the Marketing Achievement Award in 1977—a testament to his skill, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

On September 25, 1964, Jose married the love of his life, Rosa Marina Cristales, with whom he shared a 64 year loving relationship. Throughout their life and faith together, they enjoyed traveling the world, discovering new places, savoring different cuisines, and, most meaningfully, fulfilling their dream of walking the sacred steps that Jesus once walked. Jose cherished every moment spent with his family, and nothing brought him greater joy than dancing with his wife and serenading her with love songs.

Jose is survived by his wife, Rosa Marina Cristales; and their children Walter Cristales, Roxana Vanderlei, Carmen Luk, and Elizabeth Palmer. He is also survived by his daughter Evelyn Monico.

He leaves behind a cherished legacy through his grandchildren and great grandchildren:

• Roxana Vanderlei and her husband Richard Vanderlei, with two grandchildren, a step grandson, and one great granddaughter

• Carmen Luk and her husband Eugene Luk, with three grandsons

• Elizabeth Palmer and her husband David Palmer, with four grandsons and three great grandchildren

• Walter Cristales, with two grandsons, two granddaughters, and two great granddaughters

• Evelyn Monico, with three granddaughters

Jose is also survived by his sister, Araceli Menendez. His family, extended family, and all those who knew him will always remember him as a loving husband, father, friend, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. His love, generosity, sense of humor, faith in God, and his devotion to our family will remain in our hearts forever.

Jose had passion for fishing in any water, hunting, and sports. He loved soccer—he coached, watched, and played. He enjoyed basketball, especially shooting hoops straight from the free throw line. He loved bowling, especially when he got the three strikes for a turkey. Additionally, he enjoyed watching boxing, Exatlón, and other sports.

May his memory continue to shine through the love he gave and the joy he shared. May he rest in everlasting peace, surrounded by the legacy he leaves behind. Though he is no longer with us, his love, his laughter, and his devotion to our family will remain forever.