Adrian Salazar Sr.

Adrian Salazar Sr. Adrian Salazar Sr. passed away on January 10, 2013 at the age of 85. He was born on September 17, 1927 in Tulare, California to Marciano and Guadalupe (Perez) Salazar. He attended Tulare schools. While working as a farm laborer; he met his soul mate Beatrice Orduna. They were married on October 14, 1945 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Tulare. Together they raised five children. In November of 1945, Adrian enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Korea where he served as a non-commissioned supply officer and a cook. There he earned the World War II Victory Medal. In May of 1947 he received an Honorable Discharge from the Army. Upon his return home, Adrian began working for Plaza Palace Market as a meat cutter. He worked there for 45 years until his retirement in 1992. Throughout the years Adrian was involved in many organizations. He co-founded and was the first charter chairman of the American GI Forum. He was president and a lifetime member of the Tulare AmVets. Adrian was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge and also coached the Veterans of Foreign Wars Little League baseball team. Adrian enjoyed traveling with his wife Bea, especially to Reno, Tahoe and Las Vegas. When not traveling, Adrian could usually be found working in his yard or picking oranges from his prized orange tree. Adrian always loved having the whole family over for Sunday breakfast, and then watching his favorite team, the Raiders play football. He enjoyed barbeques and family gatherings, visiting with his neighbors, and sharing a cold beer with family and friends. Everyone was welcome at Grandpa Adrian's house. But nothing gave Adrian greater joy than watching his grandchildren and then great grandchildren playing in the backyard. Adrian is survived by his wife of 67 years, Beatrice Salazar; four sons, Adrian Salazar Jr. and wife Barbara of Tulare, Gilbert Salazar of San Juan Capistrano, Tommy Salazar and wife Teresa of Hanford, Leonard Salazar and wife Karen of Tulare; one daughter, Bettie Lynch and husband Tom of Tulare; 14 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Angie Graziano of Tulare and two brothers, Arthur Salazar of Cathedral City and Mike Salazar of Seattle, Washington. He was preceded in death by his great granddaughter Kelsey Hernandez. Adrian was a man loved and admired by all who knew him. HE was generous and kind, always there to lend a hand. He was the center of our family, our hero. He leaves behind a strong and proud legacy. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Visitation will be 12-8 pm, Thursday, January 17, 2013 at Peers Lorentzen Funeral Chapel, 132 W. Kern Ave., Tulare. Rosary and Mass will be held at 10 am, Friday, January 18, 2013 at St. Rita's Catholic Church, 954 S. O St. with burial at North Tulare Cemetery. Condolences may be emailed to peerslorentzen@clearwire.net.