Abel Salazar

ABEL "PAPI" SALAZAR Abel "Papi" Salazar, 72, of Las Vegas, passed away Sunday, May 27, 2018, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the Colten Adult Care, Sweetwater Place. Abel's son, Roger, was with him when he passed away. Abel was born in Massillon, Ohio, but later moved to Mexico City, where he was raised. Abel met and married Magdalena Salazar in Mexico City and soon after started a family. Abel joined the U.S. Army and was also a member of the Army Reserves (National Guard of Nevada), he was a Staff Sergeant and Tank Commander. He brought his passion of "futbol," also known as soccer, from Mexico City and passed it along to his family. He played for many years in the Adult soccer leagues. Abel was also known as a soccer referee and was a referee for all ages, but mostly was known for being a referee for the Nevada Youth Soccer Association. Abel is survived by his three sons, Joseph Abel (Lisa) Salazar, Roger (Sandi) Salazar and Raul "Rolo" Salazar; grandchildren, Steven Roger, Matthew Abel, Tyler Kenneth, Melanie "Lanie" Alana and Kaitlin Nena; and sibling, Joseph Salazar. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Thursday, June 7, with service following, both at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. Graveside service following at Palm Valley View Memorial Park.