Albert Salazar

Albert R. Salazar, A.K.A Castie and Boxer passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 20, 2020 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease at age 77.  Albert  was born on September 14, 1943 at the family ranch house in Mannassa Colorado. He then moved to Espanola in 1956 with his family. He was an Espanola Hornet and graduated in 1961. He moved to Las Vegas Nev. eventually returning to the valley in 1971 where he resided in La Mesilla.

He was preceded in death by his parents Albert & Connie Salazar, brother Leroy J. Salazar, in laws M.O and Agnes McRae, sister in law Mary DeVarse.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Carol “Kris” Salazar, children Carol (Sean), Brian (Melissa), Maria (Brandon), Amanda (Ricardo). Grandchildren, Monique, Anthony, Joaquin, and Castello “Castelito”, and great grand child Javier, along with step granddaughter Elizabeth. Siblings are Kenny (Jeanette) Salazar, Charles (Bernadine) Salazar, Christie (Larry) Ulibarri,  Julie (Armando) Salazar, Barbara (Ray) Rodriguez and Robert Salazar. Many nieces, nephews and friends.

Albert had many jobs in his life starting with  managing  the Western Auto store, however he was a proud cold war patriot who began employment with the Dept. of Energy in 1967 retiring in 2005.

He loved spending time with family and friends, of which he has many, in the mountains camping and hunting and playing pool. Always a cowboy Albert started racing horses at the Downs. He spent most of his retired days out on the golf courses of New Mexico. His love of cars of which he owned over 300 in his life.  You would frequently see Albert at the local Sundevil sporting events as he followed basketball for over 35 years. Albert was always willing to help anyone at the spur of the moment and was known for his honesty, fear was not in his vocabulary.  He will surely be missed by all!

Special thanks to Julian, Mariah and staff of Ambercare.  Especially muchas gracias to Marta Bencomo, caregiver who has become a member and friend of the family. Public visitation will begin on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, with a rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 26, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Espanola, with a burial to follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Serving the family as pall bearers are Carlos Salazar, Armando Salazar, Jose Rubel Salazar,  Anthony Salazar, Joaquin Schoeppner and Jacob Salazar.

Honorary pallbearers are Elizabeth Ramirez, Monique Salazar, Maria Schoeppner, Castello Gallegos and Javier Gonzales. The family of Albert R. Salazar, AKA Castie and Boxer has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com