Gabriel Salazar

Gabriel E. Salazar , 69, a resident of Ranchitos, passed away surrounded by his family and friends on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at UNMH in Albuquerque. He was born to Sidelia & Frank Salazar on January 19, 1950 in Coyote.

He was preceded in death by both his parents; mother and father-in-law, Martina and Evaristo Gurule; brothers, Presciliano, Vivian, and Gene Salazar and sister, Eloisa Martinez; brothers-in-law, Abel Gurule and wife Dolores, David Graham, and Arthur Pacheco; sisters-in-law, Ophilia and Anita Gurule and by his Godfather, Apolinario Trujillo.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Bernadette Salazar, his 4 daughters, Amanda Salazar Mendoza, Camille Salazar, Desiree Salazar (Paul) and Martina Salazar; sisters, Cris & Lupe Salazar, Cordy Quintana (Larry), and Grace Velarde; brothers-in-law, Gilbert, Pres and Leo (Fidelia) Gurule; sisters-in-law, Mary Graham, Corrine Pacheco, and Mary Jane Rael (Juan); 4 granddaughters, Savannah, Leslie, Isabelle and Krystina, along with his only grandson, Lamont; great-grandson, Nathaniel and was expecting a great granddaughter in December; Godmother, Adelires Trujillo; padrinos of marriage, Johnny and Erlinda Montoya as well as many aunts and uncles, cousin, nieces, nephews, Godchildren and many friends.

Gabriel was honored to serve his country when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 19. He served as a rifleman in Vietnam and afterwards lived and worked in Denver with his brothers. Gabriel also worked for Kerr Mcgee Uranium Mines in Grants for over 20 years before settling back in Española and working security in Los Alamos for SOC-where he eventually retired from.

Gabriel's hobbies were, deer hunting, fishing, hauling wood and camping with family and friends. He loved music; especially playing his guitar and singing, praying his daily novenas and reciting the rosary. Gabriel was kind and generous, and always willing to help anyone. We have lost a great man, husband, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend.

A rosary will be recited on Monday, October 14, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 10:30 am at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz. Burial to follow at 12:45 pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, Paul Salazar, Leo Trujillo, Marcos Martinez, Arturo Montoya, Kenneth Romero, Ivan Nelson, Christian Aguirre and Mario Mendoza. Honorary pallbearers will be all of his grandchildren, special nieces, Corinna Salazar, Pamela Romero, Luella Salazar; close family friends, Armando Trujillo, Anita Martinez, David & Brenda Salazar, Rudy & Ruben "Shuby" Lujan, Nelly Buezo and her daughter, Celina McNamara. The family of Gabriel E. Salazar has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.