Salvador Gutierrez Rubalcava

Chava was born at Mercy Hospital in Merced on January 29, 1944 to Paul and Dolores Rubalcava. He was one of five children. He grew up in Merced and attended local schools including Weaver Elementary and the old Merced High School that was located on “M” Street by the original Merced County Court House. He was fortunate to complete his senior year and graduate. He never went far from Merced and raised his daughter, Chantel, in neighboring Atwater. Being a father to her was one of his greatest joys and accomplishments.

After many years in the restaurant business working as a line worker and prep cook, Chava was proud to retire in 2007 from Foster Farms in Livingston as a Quality Assurance Supervisor. He loved his teams from the bay and never missed a game on his big screen rooting for the 49ers and Giants. Mo-town hits were his favorite and could always be heard playing it in his 1984 Cadillac El Dorado then later in life in his black Chevy Avalanche that he kept in pristine condition. He enjoyed sitting on his porch, socializing with his neighbors and BBQ’ing with his buddies. Old favorite pastimes include shooting pool and hustling the OG’s at the local bars and pool halls.

Chava is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Dolores Rubalcava as well as his brother, Paul Rubalcava. His precious canine companion, Lady, was surely awaiting his arrival to heaven. He is survived by his daughter, Chantel Burrola and her husband Robert as well as their children CJ and Inez. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Bob) Perez as well as his sisters, Mary Chavez and Abby Morris.

Services will be held on Friday, July 16 2021 at 11:00 am at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home located at 1490 B Street, Merced, CA. Lunch reception will follow at a location to be announced.

In the words of my father, “Go Niners!”