Joe Johnny Salazar

Joe Johnny Salazar Sr., of Visalia California, passed away at home on May 28, 2024 surrounded by his family. Joe was born in Indio, California on December 4, 1957. He was the eldest son to Louis Frank Salazar and Esther Lopez Salazar. In 1975 Joe joined the Army and completed his training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After his departure from the Army in May of 1977, he settled in Visalia where he married Gracie Guzman Salazar, and became a master mechanic who loved working at the shop. Joe was passionate about anything with an engine and for years he participated in Destruction Derbies and Tuff Truck Competitions. He was a devoted father who loved taking his family to the beach and fishing. Joe was skilled at playing poker and if you knew him, you'd often see him at 7-11 getting his coffee. He was a Raider Fan for life and has a cabinet full of memorabilia to show for it. Joe is survived by his life-long partner of 33 years Valarie Pimentel, three sons Joe Johnny Salazar Jr. (Connie), James Anthony Salazar (Kristy) and Adam Salazar, one daughter Stephanie Salazar, two step daughters Joanna Santana(Anthony) and Michelle Santana, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Four brothers Alex Salazar (Dianna), Gary Salazar (Kat), David Salazar (Tina), Brian Salazar (Janie) and four sisters Sandra Salazar Mendoza (Leon), Charlotte Salazar Gonzales (Zeke), Cecelia Salazar, Michelle Salazar Hernandez (Abel) , step mom Sarah Galindo Salazar and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe is preceded in death by his parents Louis Frank Salazar and Esther Lopez Salazar, his first wife Gracie Guzman Salazar, step daughter Nicole Schlingloff, nephew Brian Salazar Jr. and great granddaughter Melody Martinez. His children and family will remember him as a kind, loving man who was willing to give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it. He helped everyone he could and was the patriarch of his family who will forever remember him and pass on his legacy to his grandchildren. Services entrusted to Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. Grave site services will be held July 5th at the Visalia Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave Visalia at 9:00 am. Celebration of Joe's life will be held July 5th at the Veterans Memorial Building, 609 W. Center Ave, Visalia at 10:30 am.

Joe Johnny Salazar

December 4, 1957 - May 28, 2024