Gene Salazar Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Gene Salazar, died on Wednesday September 18th, 2013 at home in Napa, with his family that loved him so very much. Gene Salazar was born on October 24th 1940 to Guadalupe and Elena Salazar in Madera, California. The family moved to Napa Valley in 1943 where gene attended the two room schoolhouse in Rutherford. Graduating from St. Helena High School on 1958, gene then attended Fresno State University before enlisting in the Navy in 1959. Stationed in Hawaii, Gene served in the Submarine Force Pacific Fleet as a Sonarman on the "USS Gudgeon SS 567" and on the "USS Sterlet SS 392". Gene began his career in Banking as a Teller at B of A in the sixties where he became a loan officer, followed by Security National Bank in Walnut Creek. Gene married Tonia in 1970 and soon joined Napa Valley Bank as a Loan Officer. An MBA graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School, Gene managed branches in Yountville and Napa, becoming Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer before retiring in 1989, when the Bank was sold. NVB had a great group of people that still get together for luncheons, remembering all of the fun times together. Gene was a member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge and SIR ( Sons in Retirement ) in Napa. Gene was also an early member of Leadership Napa Valley. Gene and his wife Tonia owned Design Showcase from 1990 to 2006, where Gene was able to share his wealth of construction knowledge designing kitchens and baths for so many wonderful people throughout the valley and Bay Area. Always a teacher, Gene gave his time and knowledge working alongside many friends and family, AKA the" Weekend Warriors" helping with various projects. Together Gene and Toni shared a love for food, cooking and entertaining with family and friends. Gene was a phenomenal cook and combined with his quick wit and great sense of humor, they always had a great time. As a husband and father, in good times and bad, Gene always found the right way to work through it all. Our family was so very lucky to have him, he was "simply the best". Gene is survived by his wife of 43 years , Tonia, son Michael Salazar of San Diego, daughters Holly (Mike) Clark and Gina (Joe) Rasler of Napa, brother Robert (Ellen) Barberi of Napa, sisters Jane (Frank) Ashley of St. Helena and Virginia Swope of Nevada. Grandchildren, Samantha, Gage, Daniel, Allison, Joey and Ryan. At Gene's request, there will be no funeral services. A special thank you to Kaiser Hospice of Vallejo, his wonderful caregivers and the 24 Hour on-call staff that are always there for you. Memorial Gifts in Gene's name can be made to Kaiser Hospice of Vallejo or Vine Village of Napa for the Developmentally Disabled.

Gene Salazar

October 24, 1940 - September 18, 2013

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Gene Salazar

October 24, 1940 - September 18, 2013

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