Damacio Salazar

Damacio Salazar, 94, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and long time resident of Albuquerque began his eternal life on March 14, 2018. Born to Jose Praxedes Salazar and Maria Pablita Quintana, in Pojoaque, NM in August 1923, Damacio was the last of ten Salazar siblings to pass.

Damacio is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Carmen (Bachicha) the love of his life, their infant son, James, and his loving wife of sixteen years, Mona (DePuy), and all his siblings; Miromon, Ramoncita, Domitilla, Gabrela, Patricio, Bernardino, Trinidad, Jose, Ezequiel.

He is survived by his children: Robert Salazar (Susan), Virginia Salazar (Dale Sonnenberg), Jane Salazar King, Kathy Salazar Kelley (Pete), Darlene Judge (Ned), Dennis Salazar, David Salazar, Richard Salazar, 25 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, his many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, his sisters in law; Tina Salazar (Bennie), Jeanette Salazar (Joe) and brother-in-law, David Bachicha.

Damacio was a devoted, loving husband and beloved father. He was firm, gentle, always willing to listen, and to forgive. His priorities were his faith and his family. He always said, “My children are my jewels, and I am a very rich man!” Our dad left us with full hearts and grateful for the days we shared with him. Damacio proudly served in the US Army in WWll, a veteran of the Pacific Theater of Operations. He graduated from Saint Michael’s High School College after his return. He was proud of his military service and he credited it with much of his career success. He met Carmen and they married at the Cathedral in Santa Fe on Valentine’s Day 1947. Together they built an adobe home on Columbia street in Santa Fe where they lived with their first three children. They moved to Albuquerque in 1953, where the family increased by five. Among Damacio’s many accomplishments in public service his most rewarding was as Albuquerque’s first Director of Public Housing in 1967.

Thanks and much love to the many people who helped care for and prayed for dad. Special thanks to the Veterans Administration, Dr. Spivey, nurse Brian and to the Marianites from Annunciation church.

Pall bearers are the first sons of his eight children: John Salazar, Daniel Sonnenberg, Jay C. Salazar King, Bryan Kelley, Paul Judge, Jesse Salazar, Jeremy Cotter, and Julian Montoya

Rosary is Tuesday, March 20, 6 PM at French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE. Mass on Wednesday, March 21, 8:30 AM, at Annunciation Church, 2532 Vermont NE. Burial at 2:15 PM, Santa Fe National Cemetery.