Jonathan Salazar

JONATHAN “LEROY” SALAZAR, 73, a resident of Tierra Azul, passed away on Friday, November 23, 2018.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Consuelo Belinda Espinoza Salazar and Albert J. Salazar; paternal grandparents, Jose Rubel and Prescilianna Salazar, maternal grandparents, Benjamin Espinoza and Manuelita Lobato-Espinoza; padriños Ruben A. and Emma Salazar.

He had an accomplished career in both the family business in car sales and in the city of Espanola Government, in 1970 he became a city councilor and served a 4-year term from there he worked in various auto dealerships including Mac Chevrolet, Friday Motors, Galles Chevrolet and West Central Auto which was his personal business. His other accomplishments included housing director, city manager for the City of Espanola, and he served as the Democratic Chair for Rio Arriba County and 12 years as an Española School board member and a master board member. His current position was as a supervisor on the board of East Rio Arriba Soil and Water Conservation district. His favorite hobbies were cruising and hunting with his personal guide.  He loved cruising with his brothers and friends in the mountains of northern NM.  One of his proudest moments was being the best abuelito one could ask for.  He helped babysit Jonathan, Antonio and Lily a job he was very proud of.  He loved to chauffeur his consentido Jonathan to many places. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jonathan is survived by his daughters, LeAnne Christine Salazar-Montoya (Jemuel), Pamela Marlene Salazar – Lentini (Daniel), and Valerie Ann Salazar; beloved grandson he raised as his own son, Jonathan Isaiah Salazar, grandchildren, Lauren Lentini, Antonio Leroy Montoya and Lily Anne Christine Montoya; siblings, Albert “Castie” Salazar (Kris), Kenny Salazar (Jeanette), Charlie Salazar (Bernardine), Christella Ulibarri (Larry), Julie Salazar (Armando), Barbara Rodriguez (Ray), Robert Salazar; aunts, Christella Garcia (Rudy), Rosina Ready (Frank) and Ella Sanchez (Sydney); uncle Arnold Espinoza.

Public visitation will begin on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Espanola. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Espanola, with a burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Serving the family as pallbearers are Jonathan Isaiah Salazar, Jemuel Montoya, Jose Rubel Salazar, Gary Garcia, Carlos Salazar, Angelo Lopez, and Brian Salazar, honorary pallbearers will be Antonio Leroy Montoya, Lily Montoya, Lauren Lentini, Felipe Aragon, Juan “Choco” Montoya, Jonathan Perez, Sennie Quintana, Richard L. Lucero, Gloria Chavez, Francella Fresquez, Caretaker, Manuel Martinez and his siblings.

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