Gary Thomas Salazar

Gary Thomas Salazar

March 7, 1958 - November 2, 2024

 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Gary Thomas Salazar, age 66, a resident of Ranchitos, NM. Gary passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 2, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born on March 7, 1958, in Ogden, UT, to Miguel F. Salazar and Adelina “Lena” Salazar. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a caring grandfather, uncle, brother, and an exceptional friend. 

 Gary met the love of his life Josephine Bustos of Ranchitos, while in high school, and they spent 46 wonderful years married. He was blessed with two children and two grandchildren, whom he adored. He had a love for music, playing in several local bands and at family gatherings. Gary spent many of his younger days playing softball and baseball, primarily with the Underdogs. He was known for his infectious character, his kind heart, and his willingness to help others. Gary enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, going for wood and going to the casino. He especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. Gary was a hardworking man all his life, working numerous jobs, and in 2008 he retired from Los Alamos County. He had a love for animals, and he never went anywhere without his dog and companion Brownie. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him. 

Preceding Gary in death are his parents, Miguel F. Salazar and Adelina “Lena” Salazar; father and mother-in-law Rosenaldo and Lugardita Bustos; brothers Michael and Ricky Salazar; beloved uncle Harold Sanchez and god-father Ramon L. Martinez; father figure Sixto Garcia and his daughter Penny Garcia Roybal; sister and brother-in-law Mary and Casey Jimenez; brothers-in-law Ross, Raymond, David, Andrew and Ruben Bustos, and Blas Maestas; aunts Edulia Romero, Ruth Flemming, Geronima Montoya, Luisa Bueno, Clorinda Lujan; and uncles Melaquias Sanchez, Jr., Wildredo Salazar, and Benny Salazar.

Gary is survived by his wife Josephine Salazar of Ranchitos, his son Gary P. Salazar (Corrina Ortiz) of Albuquerque, his daughter Adrianna (Nathan) Ortiz of Fairview; grandchildren Brandon (Noel) Ortiz of Ojo Caliente, Kaitlyn and Dylan Ortiz, of Fairview; sister Yolanda (Charlie) Gasca of La Canova; mother figure Angie Garcia of Ranchitos and her children Lori Ann Martinez of Alcalde and Ernest Garcia of San Pedro; sisters-in-law Delfina Salazar of Hernandez, Barbara Martinez of Espanola, Helen Bustos of Fairview, Ana Mae Salazar of Velarde, Lucy (Andres) Martinez of Santa Cruz, Orlinda (Emett) Martinez of Hawthorne, CA, Bernadette (Joe) Trujillo of Rio Rancho, Patricia (Del) Martinez of Rio Rancho, Rosemary Rolon of Ranchitos, Ruth Dupree (Joseph) of El Llano, JoAnne (Carl) Twibell, of Rio Rancho; uncle Macedonio (Teresa) Sanchez of Los Lunas; aunt Maxine Salazar of La Villita; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

A public viewing will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 5:30 pm, followed by a rosary at 6:00 pm in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory in Espanola, NM. A mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM, with a burial to follow at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Brandon Ortiz, Joe Trujillo, Miguel Salazar, Ricky Salazar, Jose Rolon, and Raul Bustos. Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandchildren Kaitlyn and Dylan Ortiz. 

The family of Gary Salazar has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477

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