Joseph A. - Age 43 - Española Salazar

Joseph A. Salazar Sr, 43, a lifelong resident of Española, NM, went to rest on June 30, 2011. Joseph was born on November 26, 1967 to Elevinia and Alex Salazar of Española, NM. He married the love of his life, Julie Giron, on September 7th, 1991. Together, they gave life to the other loves of his life, his children Joseph Jr. and Andrea. Later he had the blessing of becoming a grandfather to Leandro. Joseph was a 1985 Graduate of Española Valley High. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from New Mexico Highlands University in 1995. Joseph was very loving and committed to his wife and children.\r\n Joseph was an avid sports fan of his beloved State-Champion Sundevils, Trojans, Broncos and Lakers. He was also the number one fan of his son, daughter, and grandson. He coached many of their teams and always taught the children to give their all to anything they did. \r\nTo many, Joseph was considered the best drummer in the valley and surrounding areas, and was asked by many artists throughout the years to be a part of their bands or recording projects. He was currently a member of Northern 505. \r\nJoseph had the best sense of humor. He was the go-to guy for a guaranteed laugh or companionship. He had many close friends and relatives that he enjoyed his time with. He had a charisma that could not be resisted. He had so many family and friends in various law enforcement agencies and held them in the highest esteem. \r\n Joseph spent his entire adult life in law enforcement. He began his career at the Espanola Detention Center, and then became a police officer with the Espanola Police Department. For the past 11 years, he served as a State of New Mexico Adult Probation and Parole Officer. He was very committed to his job and took pride in helping his community become a better place. \r\nHe is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Leandro and Bersabe Gallegos of Vallecitos and paternal grandfather Reymundo Salazar of Chamita. \r\nHe is survived by his wife of 19 years Julie(Giron)Salazar, his children, Joseph Salazar Jr., Andrea Salazar; his grandson Leandro Salazar; Parents, Alex J. Salazar, and Elevinia Salazar; Sister Anita CdeBaca (husband Rudy); Paternal grandmother Margarita Salazar; Padrinos Tomas and Manuelita Archuleta; Father in-law, Paul Giron, Mother-in-law, Margaret Giron; Sister in-law Debbie Campos (husband Leroy), Brothers-in-law; Charles Giron, Paul Giron (wife Trecia), Eddie Giron (wife Yvette) Nieces; Ana Maria Archuleta, Samantha Giron, Adelita Campos; Nephews Estevan Archuleta ; Frankie Giron, and Leroy Campos; numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, large extended family and many friends.\r\nA public visitation for Joseph will be held on Monday, July 4, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at Northern New Mexico College Gymnasium in Española with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 5th at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Española, NM. Burial will follow at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Cemetery in Española \r\nThe following will assist as Pallbearers: Richard Gallegos, Gary Gallegos, Ronald Rodella, Alfred Lovato, Paul Giron, Lucas Gallegos. \r\nHonorary Pallbearers: Karl Valdez, Marvin Jaramillo, Melvyn Jaramillo, Denise Jaramillo, Joel Vargas, Johnny Gallegos, Arsenio Salazar, Johnny, Orlando, Horacio Garcia, Richard Martinez, Daniel Barela, Rubel Leyba, Lorenzo Martinez. Labriana Belmontes, Daniel Gallegos, Jason Toner, Estevan Trujillo, and Jared Alire. The family of Joseph A. Salazar has entrusted the care of their beloved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477, www.devargasfuneral.com

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