Reynaldo "Ray" Salazar passed away peacefully on April 28th, 2016, shy of his 85th birthday. He was preceded in death by his mother Guadalupe Chaparro (Raul), father Reynaldo Salazar, and brother Frank Salazar Sr. He is survived by his sisters Olga Rosen and Alice Watson. He is also survived by his wife of 61 years Dolores Salazar and their children Debra Kosich, Susan Bullard (Ted), Michael Salazar (Sheryl), Mark Salazar (Laura), Linda King (Russell), Matthew Salazar, and Martin Salazar. His surviving grandchildren to include: Eric Salazar, Jennifer Bobst, Sydney Hamilton, Taylor Maresca, Corey Salazar, and Ryan Salazar, along with having six great grandchildren. Ray was a devoted and caring husband and father, who put the needs of his family first and foremost. Ray was born and raised in the city of El Paso and graduated from El Paso High School in 1949. Ray joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Korean War. Ray graduated from Texas Western in 1957 with a BBA degree majoring in accounting while working fulltime to support his family. Ray served as the mayor of El Paso from 1977-1979. As Mayor, the construction of a new city hall, along with four community recreation centers. Ray worked tirelessly for the community that he so dearly loved. Ray had many accomplishments in his life to include: starting the Emergency Medical Service System, elected as Secretary-Treasurer of United States Border Cities, served as acting president of the El Paso Community College, and was one of the original Co-Founders of the American Association of Spanish Speaking Public Accountants later becoming nationally known as National Hispanic Business Association. He was a great man and he will be sorely missed by all. Special thanks to Dr. Dobrin, and Dr. Cortez. Viewing will be held at the Martin Funeral Home 128 N. Resler (www.martinfuneralhomewest.com) on May 5, 2016, 5:00-9:00 pm. Services for Mr. Salazar will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1118 N. Mesa St. at 11:00 am, Friday May 6, 2016. Burial to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 1:00pm.

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Published by El Paso Times from Apr. 30 to May 9, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for REYNALDO SALAZAR

Sponsored by ElPasoTimes.com.

31 Entries

Guillermo Guerrero

May 22, 2016

Mrs. Salazar, Debbie, Susan, Mike, Mark, Linda, Matthew, Martin and to the rest of the family I do not know. My deepest condolences go out to you. Ray was a kind and loving man who left me with vivid memories of what a father should be. I know you will miss him but I pray the Holy Spirit comforts you all. Just think, Ray has now been perfected in Christ Jesus. God Bless You All.

Michael SALAZAR

May 9, 2016

Dad , it's been a week since you've gone home to be with our Heavenly Father and I sincerely know you are in better place . It doesn't make it any easier, but just knowing I can shut my eyes and relive the countless memories you left me with , gives me comfort to live on . Looking back , I wish we could of kept you for ourselves instead of sharing you with El Paso , but that wasn't in the good Lords plan . I know if you could do it all over again you wouldn't change a thing . We will watch over mom and each other while you rest , until we meet again . I love you and miss you , Michael

Veronica Luna

May 6, 2016

M deepest condolences to the whole family. Such an amazing man and what a great inspiration he has been. God bless always!

Whitney Rigsby

May 6, 2016

Debbie, Mark, Mattew and family, my deepest condolences to you all, I dearly loved your father and will carry fond memories of him. Dad, I will miss you my sweet friend, until we meet again.

Elizabeth Hernandez

May 5, 2016

Susan and the Salazar Family, my condolences for your loss. Flaca, I hope you find peace in knowing he is in a better place.

Don Henderson

May 5, 2016

I extend my deepest condolences to Doris Salazar and family

Frank Clausen

May 4, 2016

We extend our deepest condolences to Mrs. Dolores Salazar, and their children Debra, Susan, Linda, Martin, Matthew, Michael, and Mark. I had the honor of knowing Ray for over 45 years and called him my friend. His dedication to his family and the city of El Paso was a great inspiration to me and all that knew him. I always enjoyed hearing his countless stories about the years he served his country abroad while in the U.S. Navy and the many seaports he visited. While Ray served as Mayor of El Paso from 1977 to 1979, his work as a public servant started long before and continued throughout his life. I remember fondly the many years as a young man running to get coffee and donuts for his meetings with so many El Paso larger than life friends like Woodrow Bean, Sr., Woody Bean ll, Dan Ponder, Richard Wagner, Brunson Moore, Hector Zavaleta, Juan Stockmeyer, Ron Coleman, Frank Koribanic and so many others. In Ray I always knew I had his unconditional support and friendship and was very proud to serve in his administration. I loved Ray dearly, will miss him terribly, and am deeply saddened by his passing.

Debra

May 4, 2016

Dad, you are my Dad, my Boss and my Dearest Friend. You are the light in my heart and I can not imagine not seeing you everyday. I do not know how I can continue with my life not being able to talk with you, (Politics) laugh with you, joke with you . Please stay with me Dad, I love you so very much.

Mark Salazar

May 4, 2016

You will always be my greatest inspiration . I love you . Mark

May 4, 2016

Mr. Salazar was a fantastic role model and an extremely influential part of the community. He was particularly influential in my years as a young adult in El Paso. My condolences to the Salazar family, may he rest in peace......Rusty Ogden

Susan Bullard

May 3, 2016

Susan Bullard

May 3, 2016

Susan Bullard

May 3, 2016

Susan Bullard

May 3, 2016

Karen O'Leary

May 3, 2016

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

May 3, 2016

Dear Mrs. Salazar and family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort in the love you share for each other and those around you, at this difficult time. Sincerely, Mary and David Garcia. (Angie's parents)

Richard and Tina Durham

May 3, 2016

Even though we never met Ray, we felt we knew him through Michael (his son and wife Sheryl,my sister). He sounded like a person we would want to know and share time with. We love Michael so much and grieve for all of you in the Salazar family.

Gus Rallis

May 3, 2016

As you know, Ray & I grew up together and started working at an early age at the Popular Dry Goods Company as cash boys. Later on, we were members of the Harmony Club where we shared many fond memories. We both entered the service during the Korean War and came back and utilized our GI Bill. Ray became a CPA and I became a lawyer. After he became Mayor, he appointed me to be Chairman of the Housing Authority of El Paso and assigned me the duty of representing the City of El Paso in their wage negotiations with the unions of the Police Department and Fire Department. We stayed friends always. We started our lives together and I was honored to be with him near the end. Go in peace, Ray.

Martin Salazar

May 3, 2016

I LOST MY EARTHY FATHER WEDNESDAY APRIL 27 AT 11:10pm..A MAN LIKE JESUS WHO NEVER COMPLAINED ABOUT ANYTHING...CAUSE HE DIDNT WANT HIS FAMILY TO WORRY...A TRUE MAN OF GOD AND A BLESSING FROM GOD..THANK YOU FATHER GOD FOR ALLOWING MY EARTHLY FATHER TO BE MY DAD!!

Dad during a City Council Meeting

Susan Bullard

May 2, 2016

Jennifer Bobst

May 2, 2016

Grandpa, I can't find the words to tell you how much I love you and will miss you. I'm going to miss you picking on me and us laughing. I always looked up to you, you are my inspiration. You did so much for so many people and taught me so many things. I know you are watching over me and with that I have peace. I'll always look up to heavens and smile because I know you're there smiling back at me. Rest in peace until we meet again.

May 2, 2016

Deepest Condolences to you, Guera and All Your Family on The Loss of Ray. There are never enough words when it comes to losing someone you Love dearly, but Ray is now Another Angel in God's Kingdom with your and his Parents - who embraced him as he arrived.
Val & Cindy Vega

May 2, 2016

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Mayor Ray Salazar

Martin Salazar

May 2, 2016

A Warrior for All of El Paso, Texas

Martin Salazar

May 2, 2016

Toke

May 2, 2016

Toke

May 2, 2016

Susan Bullard

May 1, 2016

Dad, I miss and love you so much. Never wanted this day to come. Your love, spirit, wisdom is like no other. Watching the love and joy you had when your grandchildren were around you was enough to light up the room. You are now at peace and we will be united once again.

Linda King

May 1, 2016

Dad I know you are in a much better place now. You are in your Glorious Body singing and praising Our Lord Jesus Christ and Our Father God with all who have passed before you. We will all be okay and will take care of Mom. Thank you for all Your Love and Support throughout my life. Most of all Thank You for holding on until I got back home so I could be with you . I will forever Cherish the time we got to spend with each other these last couple of weeks! I know deep in my heart that Angel's were all around you when we would stay up talking at night. I'm so going to miss seeing you and hearing your voice but I know one day we will be reunited in Heaven. Dad save me a Mansion close to yours!! I Love You so much!!

Alice Watson

April 30, 2016

I'm sorry for your loss! Dolores,you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. Ray, I love you, RIP...
Your Sister, Alice

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