Joseph "Joe" Salazar, Jr.

Joseph "Joe" Salazar, Jr, 85, died peacefully at 3:17 p.m., Friday, September 9, 2022, at his home in Colorado Springs. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gloria Castro Salazar, three daughters, Sylvia (James) Justus, of Las Vegas, Nevada; Elsa (Thomas) Bruno, of Colorado Springs; and Gloria Salazar-Morris, of Colorado Springs; seven grandchildren: Kymber, Sydney, Lucas, Seth, Joseph, Blake and Grant; and great-granddaughter, Adalie. Joe was preceded in death by parents, Jose Lopez and Catherine Zabala Salazar, and siblings Juanita, Jesse, Caroline and Abel. Joe was born on March 11, 1937, in Massillon, Ohio, where his father was a chipper at a steel mill. At the age of two, Joe's family relocated to Mexico City, Mexico where he attended elementary and secondary schools. In 1954, Joe moved back to the United States to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he lived with his brother, Jesse, who was stationed at Fort Bragg Army Base. He attended Fayetteville High School, graduating in 1957. After high school, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served honorably for over 22 years, retiring in 1978 in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the rank of MSgt. Joe grew to love traveling as his duties as an avionics maintainer took him to various assignments and deployments around the world-Nellis, Plattsburgh, and Holloman Air Force bases in the United States, and various bases in Japan, Thailand, Korea, and Vietnam. After retirement, Joe worked for Hughes Aircraft, EG&G, and JT3 in Las Vegas. After his final retirement, he and Gloria moved to Colorado Springs to be near the mountains that he fell in love with as he visited his daughters, Gloria and Elsa. Joe was adventurous, hard-working, and very serving. He loved road trips and exploring the United States with his family. He could often be seen riding their semi-wild mustangs in the desert by their house on Rodeo Drive. He and Gloria were pillars at St Gabriel the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church in Las Vegas for over 20 years. Joe loved hosting BBQs and parties at their home in Las Vegas and he and Gloria created a warm and welcoming place for everyone who visited. After retiring to Colorado, Joe became a volunteer fire-fighter for the South Highway 115 Fire Department at the age of 72! He loved hands-on DIY projects and did everything from fixing the family cars to building corrals. He was always willing to help friends and family members in many ways, giving advice or lending a hand. He was a wonderful role model for his daughters, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren and will be missed by all. Visitation, 1:00PM-2:00PM, Friday, September 23, 2022, The Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923. Funeral Service, 2:00PM, Friday, September 23, 2022, The Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923. Private Family Graveside at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8) Events Visitation Friday, September 23, 2022 1:00PM - 2:00PM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611 Funeral Service Friday, September 23, 2022 2:00PM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611