Albert J. Salazar

Mr. Albert (Al) J. Salazar Age 89 of Espanola passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 06, 2008 following an extended illness. He was born on October 5, 1919, in Los Sauces, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his wife Consuelo (Connie) E. Salazar, his parents Jose Rubel and Preciliana Salazar, his sisters Frances Montano, Ida Neuhausel, Odila Lopez, Olivama Valdez, and brother John B. Salazar. He was a World War II veteran having served in the U.S. Navy and Army. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent DePaul, and served as a Foster Grandparent. He remained active in the local bowling leagues. He established the Senior Bowling League of the Big Rock Bowling Center and served as the leagues President. He was an active member of the Santa Fe Senior Bowling League and the Espanola mens Wednesday night league. Albert was a Senior Olympian and State Bowling Champion. He also was an avid golfer and participated in many local charitable tournaments. Albert began his professional career in Alamosa, Colorado and moved his family to Espanola in 1956 to work as the sales manager of the Chevrolet dealership. In 1981, he established his own used car business (Als Auto Sales) until his retirement. He is survived by his children Albert R. Salazar and wife Kris, LeRoy J. Salazar, Kenneth Salazar and wife Jeanette, Charles Salazar and wife Bernardine, Christella Salazar and fiancé Larry Ulibarri, Julie Salazar and husband Armando, Barbara Rodriguez and husband Ray, and Robert Salazar. His also is survived by his brothers Ruben Salazar and wife Emma and Jaime Salazar, and his sisters Henrietta Romero, Martha Cook, Christella Garcia and husband Rudy. Albert is survived by 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, and his long-time caregiver Rosa Contreras. The following grandchildren will serve as pall bearers: Brian Salazar, Carlos Salazar, Jose Rubel Salazar, Armando Salazar Jr., LeAnne Salazar de Montoya, and Victoria Aguilar. The honorary pallbearers will be all of his other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grandchildren: Carol Salazar, Maria Salazar, Amanda Salazar, Pamela Lentini, Valerie Salazar, Jacqueline Salazar, Consuelo Salazar, Mary Salazar, Carmella Muniz, Lauren Rodriguez . Great-grandchildren: Joaquin Salazar-Schoeppner, Monique Salazar, Anthony Salazar, Lauren Lentini, Jonathan Salazar, Cassandra Arellano, Lucas Arellano, Rianna Arellano, Jacob Salazar, Isaac Salazar, and Marisa Muniz. The family wishes to acknowledge the compassionate health care providers at New Mexico Cancer Center. A special thank you to Dr. Tim Lopez and nursing staff who cared for our father. Public visitation will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2008 beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of Block-Salazar Mortuary. A rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Espanola. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church followed by interment at 3:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Please contact the mortuary for any additional information. The Rivera Family of Block-Salazar Mortuary is providing the family of Albert Al Salazar with care and professional services. 753-2288 or 1-800-443-4854. www.blocksalazarmortuary.com