Our cherished Casimiro "Emeli" Salazar passed away on May 22.
Emelio was born in Las Gallinas, N.M., on Dec. 3, 1940. His parents brought the family to Vacaville during the early '50s. The Salazar family have been residents ever since. Emelio was known to be a stubborn, hardworking, loving and very giving man.
While family had always been his main priority, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and dancing in his earlier years. Emelio was a construction laborer for Amos and Andrews Co. for 35 years.
During his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with all of his grandchildren and family. You could often find him tossing a mean game of horseshoes at a family event, or gathered around the table laughing over whose winning at dominoes. The neighbors all loved his plump, sweet oranges that he shared with everyone. Gardening, as well as working on his large puzzles, and watching old western movies had been longtime passions of his. His playful "Machismo" attitude always brought a smile to your face, offering you a "Sunday Punch" or telling you to "Put'em Up." Anyone who knew Emelio surely had a chance to hear one of his many stories. He gladly shared some fun, outrageous advice you can't seem to forget.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel and Elena Salazar; brother, Tony; and sister, Sally Anne Salazar.
Emelio is survived by his sisters and brother-in-law, Virginia and Viola Salazar, Mary and Jesus Gonzalez; brothers and sister-in-law, Mike Salazar, Robert and Consuelo Salazar. Carried on by his loving wife of 50 years, Cecelia Estrada Salazar; daughters and sons-in-law, Esther Salazar, Helen and Mike Campbell, Angela and John DuClair; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Susan Salazar. Emelio and Cecelia have 10 grandchildren, Robert Jr., Alicia and Andre Sanchez, Justin and Nathan Stewart, Gabriella and Anthony DuClair, Lexy Lindsey, Angelina Jordan and Damien Salazar. Emelio had the pleasure to know his only great-grandson of 3 months, Joaquin N. Sanchez.
Casimiro "Emelio" Salazar touched many lives with his love and will never be forgotten.
A visitation with a rosary will be held on Thursday, May 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. at McCune Garden Chapel. A funeral will be held on Friday, May 27, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church. A burial will be held at Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery. Reception immediately following burial will be held at St. Mary's Hall.
