John Salazar

John R. Salazar also known as Juan Salazar and Johnny to his friends at work passed away Saturday morning Sept. 22, 2012 at the age of 88. John was born in San Antonio, Texas on June 24, 1924. He died of congestive heart failure after a long, happy and productive life as a much loved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather with his family by his side. John was from a large family with many brothers who served their country during World War II. He was predeceased by his mother and father Juliana and Agapito Alvarez and his son Noel, his brothers Jesus, Andres, Rosalio, Adolfo, Mario and Jose, sisters Irene Esparza and Esperanza Shelton. He is survived by his wife and childhood sweetheart Gloria Tamez Salazar, his children Carlos (Luisa)Salazar, Elsa (Bill) Cade, Edith (George) Esparza, Eric Salazar and nephew George Tamez , 7 grandchildren Tamez(Frank), Christopher, Angela(Mike), Davina(Jason), Celenda(Albert), Cherise(Ted), Crystal, Stephen & Kody and 4 great grand children. Johnny went to school at Fox Tech High School, but when his country called, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served proudly in the Pacific theater during World War II. Upon discharge John learned that his ship the USS Monaghan sank after a hit by a typhoon losing all but 6 sailors. He kept his shipmates in his thoughts all his life. When he returned he married his childhood sweetheart Gloria Elvira Tamez. After serving this great country, John spent 30 years working at Kelly Air Force Base as a master welder, with a long list of awards for the quality of his work. He won the Bronze Zero Defects Award in 1966, the Silver Zero Defects in 1997, the Special Achievement award from the Dept. of the Air Force in 1977 and many other recognitions. He worked on many special projects for the U.S. Air Force including teaching welding at Palo Alto Community College; he saved our country thousands of dollars with his innovative solutions, brilliant mind and masterful hands. There was no challenge that he could not master. We were very proud of him when he went back to school and graduated with his GED in 1970. After John retired in 1983, he went on to live thirty more wonderful years with his wife and helped care for all his grandchildren. He relished getting them off to school and teaching them with love. He and Gloria were married for 62 years. The family will receive friends at Funeraria Del Angel, 515 N. Main, on Tues., Sept. 25, 2012, from 3-9 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A procession will depart the funeral home Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Catholic Church, 152 Florencia. That will be followed by a Committal Service at San Fernando Catholic Cemetery II. Please visit www.funerariadelangelroyakers.com for online tributes.