Donald Salazar

     Donald Martin Salazar was surrounded by his loving family when he passed on November 25, 2023, after 74 years on this earth. He endured a year-long battle of major health issues. He was born October 5, 1949 to Adolfo and Ruth Sanchez. Donald was the eldest of 6 children. Later, he was adopted by Alfredo Jr. “Chero” and Elvira “Viga” Salazar who raised him as their own.

     Donald was a loving father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Donald was raised in Chamita with Chero and Viga. Donald worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) for 32 years and The National Guard for 25 years. He retired from LANL and The National Guard in 2008. Donald always worked on his parents ranch after work and everyday after he retired. This ranch consisted of a 500 tree orchard, with apples, peaches, plums, cherries and alfalfa that he took great pride in tending to. When he could no longer maintain the ranch, he sold it in July 2022.

    Donald is preceded in death by both sets of his parents (Adolfo, Ruth, Chero and Viga); maternal/paternal grandparents; his biological brothers (Orlando Sanchez, Paul Sanchez, James “Jimmy” Sanchez); his adopted brother (Dennis Salazar); 1 grandson (Angel); nephews (James Sanchez, Juan Martinez), and goddaughter (Antoinette Martinez).

     He is survived by his brother Eloy Sanchez (Debbie); sisters Carmella Martinez and Lourdes Gallegos (Ramon); his children Rebecca Quintana (Kenny), LeAndra Salazar (Jonathan), Joaquin Salazar (Rachael); grandchildren Jacqueline, Melinda, Justin, Jonathan Jr., Monique; 2 great granddaughters and the mother of his children Lorretta Salazar. He is also survived by his loyal dog/companion DeeDee.

A rosary will be held at Rivera Family Funeral Home & Crematory by the Penitentes of Chamita on December 6th at 6:00 pm. Funeral mass will be held on December 7th at 10:30am at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh, NM. The family would be honored for everyone to attend the Burial on December 8th at 1:30PM at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Everyone is welcome to join us while we celebrate Donald’s life.

Donald has requested the following Pallbearers:

Kenny Quintana, Jonathan Naranjo, Sr., Justin Salazar-Martinez, Howard Lopez, Eric Lopez and Adrian Sanchez

Honorary Pallbearers:

Jacqueline Quintana, Melinda Quintana, and Jonathan Naranjo, Jr.