Salvador Armando Magana

November 17, 1945 – November 5, 2026

Salvador Armando Magaña, affectionately known as Sal and lovingly called Chamba by his family, was born on November 17, 1945, in San Salvador, El Salvador, and went to be with the Lord on November 5, 2026, in Lincoln, California, just twelve days before his 81st birthday.

Sal’s life began with humble circumstances in El Salvador. His mother, Delia Magaña, passed away when he was very young, and he went to live with his aunt and her family. As a teenager, Sal came to the United States, where he would build a wonderful life through determination, hard work, and an enduring spirit of gratitude.

Sal had an extraordinary ability to fix just about anything. He went to trade school to learn the skills for his career and worked as a machinist and welder for nearly thirty years at Quality Transformers. More than simply skilled at his trade, Sal was an artist in his profession. He took great pride in his craftsmanship, paying careful attention to the smallest details and finding satisfaction in a job well done. Although his opportunities for formal education were limited, Sal was a lifelong learner. He was naturally curious, interested in many things, and always eager to learn something new.

But as much as Sal valued his work, the greatest joy of his life was his family, especially his beloved wife of 29 years, Teri. Sal and Teri were truly the loves of each other’s lives. They shared a beautiful life together, filled with laughter, companionship, travel, and a deep love for one another. For Sal, it didn’t matter so much where they went, as long as they were together.

Sal was funny, generous, and full of life. He loved to cook, play golf, spend time with family and friends, and, perhaps most of all, watch his grandchildren play sports. He delighted in the people he loved and found joy in life’s everyday moments. His generosity, humor, and warm smile made life a little brighter for those around him.

Sal understood that life was a gift and never took that gift for granted. Perhaps one of his most remarkable qualities was his gratitude. Even as he faced significant health challenges over the last twenty years, Sal continued to laugh, smile, and find reasons to be thankful. He had known hardship, but he also knew great joy, and he chose to embrace the goodness of life.

Sal was preceded in death by his son, Israel, his mother, Delia Magaña, and his sister, Ana Haydee Magaña de Márquez.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Teri; his children, Leona, Grayson, Julia, Eric (Nicole), and Topazio ; his grandchildren, Casey (Allison), Natasha (Dustin), Katie and William; and his great-grandchildren, Riley and Braxton.

From his humble beginnings in El Salvador to the beautiful life he built in America, Sal leaves behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, generosity, gratitude, and love. His was a life well lived, not because it was without challenges, but because he never lost sight of its blessings.

He was deeply loved, and he will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, November 17, 2026, would have been Sal’s 81st birthday. In honor of a man who loved life and lived it with gratitude, his family will gather on that day to remember him and celebrate the gift of his life.

A memorial service will be held on November 17th at 3:00 at Lincoln Methodist Church, 629 I Street, Lincoln, Ca and will be followed with birthday celebration reception at Orchard Creek Lodge at 965 Orchard Creek Lane, Lincoln, Ca.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Kiwanis Club of Lincoln Foothills Foundation (KCOLFF), Kiwanis Club Of Lincoln Foothills Foundation PayPal Giving Fund Page (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/1812191)or PO Box 412, Lincoln, CA 95648.