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Felipe (Phil) Salazar, born in Lamy, NM on May 28, 1929 was called home by our Lord on Thursday, February 8, 2007 surrounded by his wife and children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Felipe and Vivianita Salazar; 12 siblings; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dolores and Eusebio Muller. Phil is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Celina, and their children: Yvonne Salazar of Rio Rancho, NM, Al Salazar and wife, Cindy, of Albuquerque, Gertie Salazar of Rio Rancho, Cathy Vigil of Albuquerque, Deacon Phillip Salazar and wife, Starr, of Eurika, CA, and Annette Salazar and fiance, Frank Casaus, of Rio Rancho; his adoring grandchildren, Ashley Perry and husband, Gabriel, Dennis and Ryan McCool, Jonathon Vigil and Jackie Stoll, Angela, Lauren, Jessica and Christopher Salazar, Ty Hunter Franco, Joshua, Nathaniel, and Kadalina Perry. He is also survived by his sisters Estephanita Trujillo and Kena Vigil, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Phil attended grade school in Lamy, NM, and high school in Stanley, NM and graduated with a BS in Business Administration from the University of Albuquerque in 1977. Phil volunteered in the US Navy in 1950 and served during the Korean War receiving four battle stars. During this time he was exposed to asbestos resulting in terminal Pulmonary Fibrosis. Phil worked for the Atkinson, Topeka, and the Santa Fe Railroad in Albuquerque from 1954 until 1968 and with the NM Air National Guard. He was called to active duty for the US Air Force with the NMANG during the Vietnam Era stationed in Korea. He returned to Albuquerque and continued his employment with the NMANG with the State Staff. In 1979 Phil accepted a position as a Federal Investigator and was promoted to Federal Supervisory Investigator with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Memphis, TN. He also transferred to the Tennessee Air National Guard retiring as a SMSGT. In 1986 he was promoted and transferred to Little Rock, AR where he retired as EEOC's Administrative Officer in 1989. Phil retired after 29 and one-half years of military and civilian service to his country. He received many awards and medals. Upon retiring, he returned to New Mexico making his home in Rio Rancho. Phil received great comfort during his illness from his love and faith in our Lord; he was active in the Catholic Church and belonged to Saint Thomas Aquinas, as well as the Church of the Incarnation, in Rio Rancho, serving as a lector in both parishes. Phil served on the Middle Rio Grande Council of Governments representing Sandoval County; served eight years as President and Vice President of the NM Democratic Club; a member of the Democratic Party Central Committee; a member of the American Legion Post 118 in Rio Rancho; a member of the Veterans Monument Committee as well as Past First Vice Commander Disabled American Veterans West Mesa Chapter 5; and a life member of the DAV Shelby County Chapter 70, Memphis, TN. He was appointed by Governor Richardson to the Korean War Veterans Advisory Board serving from 2003 until 2006. He loved sports, playing basketball in high school and continuing his love of baseball by playing softball with the 65 and older league until 2003 when his illness had him hang up his cleats. Phil enjoyed traveling, fishing, the Green Bay Packers and singing. Visitation will be 3:00 to 5:00 Monday, Feb. 12th in Daniels Family Funeral Services chapel, 4310 Sara Rd. in Rio Rancho. A Rosary will be held on Monday, February 12, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Road, Rio Rancho, NM, recited by his nephew Deacon Anthony Trujillo. The Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, February 13, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Road, Rio Rancho, NM, and officiated by his nephew, Father George Salazar, and assisted by Father Rick Zerwas, Deacon Phillip Salazar, Deacon Anthony Trujillo and Deacon George Meyerson. Interment will follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park in Rio Rancho. Pallbearers are Dennis McCool, Jonathon Vigil, Ryan McCool, Christopher Salazar, Gabriel Perry, and David Trujillo. His granddaughters and great-grandchildren will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-892-9920
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