Jose Julian Salas

Jose "Titi" Julian Salas, 86, of Villanueva, N.M. died peacefully at his home on The Lazy Anchor Ranch on Sunday, August 12, 2018 following an illness. Jose was born in Santa Rosa, N.M. on September 22, 1931, to the home of Frederico & Fidela (Sanchez) Salas. After the death of his father, Frederico, Fidela married Vidal (Brother Bill) Chavez, who became his second father and would go on to raise Jose and his siblings. Jose married Idalia (Dolly) Salas of Santa Rosa, N.M. on August 16, 1952 in East L.A., California. They began their journey as a couple and were happily married for 66 years. Jose served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve and in the U.S. Navy for a combined service of 28 years. During his service to his country, Jose served in the Korean War and during the Inchon Invasion restored communication to the destroyer USS Gurke. He also went on to serve as an instructor at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, where he trained six man crews on patrol crafts (known as the swift boat) for immediate combat deployment in Vietnam. During his submarine service, Jose served on the following submarines: USS Pomadon, USS Segundo, USS Polaski and the USS Queen Fish (SSN) 651 where he served as the Chief of the Boat (COB) (a fast attack submarine). After retiring from the military, Jose returned to New Mexico to pursue his dream of being a rancher and owning race horses. Due to his dedication and hard work, he was successful in building his home while simultaneously farming his land. Jose is preceded in death by his parents, Frederico and Fidela Salas Chavez; his brothers, Monsignor Sipio Salas, Frederico (Fred) Salas and Rolando (Nano) Salas. He is survived by his beloved wife Dolly Salas (known to him only as "Chicken"), his children Rose (Bobby) Gutierrez, Carmen (Efren) Pascual, Gilbert (Frances) Salas, Joanne Moreno and Susan (Tony) Wade, 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 2 step great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Maria Dulcinea (Nea) Salas Soria from Bolivia along with numerous nieces and nephews. Jose was a proud husband, father and grandfather who brought laughter to his family up to the very end and will remain as special memories to his family - His memory and legacy will live on in our hearts. He will be dearly missed. A rosary will be recited on Friday, August, 17th, at 7:00 P.M. and a funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 18th, at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Villanueva, N.M., where Jose was a member.