Sal Eusabio Morales

Sal Eusabio Morales, 92, was born June 7, 1934, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, to Francisco Morales and Paula Rivas. He passed away June 17, 2026 in Visalia, California. A cherished, kind-hearted, and wise presence to those who knew him, Sal lived with a steady compassion and thoughtful generosity that shaped his family and all who crossed his path. He was a man who valued education and honest effort, and he carried those values with quiet strength throughout his life.

In 1942, when he was in the first or second grade, Sal moved with his mother to Corcoran, California, with his father to follow later. He remembered traveling by train among soldiers, a journey that seemed to take forever before California finally came into view. Sal graduated from Hanford High School in 1952. He later earned a Bachelor degree in Science–Business Administration from California State Los Angeles in 1973, and a Master Degree in Public Health from the University of California in 1977. He also obtained many additional degrees and certifications—well educated and never finished learning. For Sal, learning was not simply an achievement; it was a lifelong practice. True to his hard-working spirit, whenever his children or grandchildren stopped by for a visit, his first question was always the same: did you work today, or did you go to school today?

Sal’s working life reflected both his capability and his determination. A true “Jack of all trades,” there was little he could not do. Over the years he worked in auto body work, served as a manager at JC Penny, worked for a title company, drove a bus, became a real estate agent, and ultimately retired at the age of 71 from LAC-USC Medical Center. Even that list, his family believes, may not capture everything he did—because Sal could do anything.

On July 15, 1952, Sal married his high school sweetheart, Margie (Baltierra) Morales, and remained a devoted husband for 73 years. Shortly after they married, they moved from the Central Valley to Los Angeles. Together they built a family rooted in love, responsibility, and steadfast care, raising three children and welcoming six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Sal’s interests reflected his energy and his love of being present for others. In high school he competed on the hurdling team and enjoyed the challenge of competition. He was known by classmates as the cool guy with a fast car. He was also advanced in typing, and he once took a beginners class—on purpose—so he could sit next to his then “girlfriend,” Margie. She would tell stories about how he did it just to make her nervous, and Sal would laugh because he knew it was true. He enjoyed watching all sports, and in his adult years he played recreational softball with his family, pitching while his wife Margie caught. His generous heart showed especially in the way he poured himself into his grandchildren’s lives, often stepping in as a coach whenever he had the chance.

A devoted Catholic, Sal attended Mass every Sunday at St.Benedict’s Church in Montebello, and after he and Margie moved to Visalia, they began attending St.Mary’s Church. His faith, like his work ethic, was steady—lived out in commitment, constancy, and care for others.

Sal will be remembered as a man who could fix anything and everything. To his family, there was nothing “Dad or Pop” could not do; he was more than a man to them—he was their protector. He never hesitated to help anyone in need, and his family was always his first priority. He wanted his loved ones to work hard, succeed in life, and be able to take care of themselves, because he understood that one day he and Mom would not be here. In that hope, and in that guidance, his legacy continues.

The family is thankful to all staff from Gentiva Hospice for all they did, and to all staff at Park Visalia Memory Care who helped care for “Papa” in the short time he was there.

“To the man who has ALWAYS put everyone else first! You have carried the weight of our family with such grace, strength, and selflessness. You never hesitated to do whatever it took to ensure everyone was safe, healthy, and cared for. You and mom laid a foundation of love and hard work that will guide us all forever. Only apart for a short time Sal & Margie have been reunited in Heaven. They are now together again, watching over their family. We miss you both deeply but take comfort in knowing you are together again. Forever in our Hearts, until we meet again.”

Sal’s life was marked by compassion, generosity, and thoughtful wisdom—qualities expressed not in grand display, but in the daily, faithful work of loving, providing, teaching, and showing up. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.