It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our son and brother, Jerome {Jerry} Mathew Salazar of Monte Vista, CO in Colorado Springs on November 13, 2023.

Jerry was born on December 8, 1953 in Holyoke, MA to Modesto and Martha Salazar, becoming the oldest of their '6 J's' and began his life as an Air Force Brat, and a life of world travel with his family.

He attended schools in Missouri, onto Zaragosa, Spain, El Paso, TX, McChord AFB, WA, Travis AFB, CA, Boarding School in Ankara, Turkey, dotted with a few times in Monte Vista, CO. where he graduated in 1972.

He served in the United States Marine Corps., of which he was proud, for all of his life. He won several prestigious awards for his writing and production skills, including interviews with General West Moreland, comic Bill Cosby and was a part of the production crew serving President Nixon.

Jerry had a great talent for broadcasting on and writing 'production' while he was manager for KSLV radio station in Monte Vista, CO. for several years, winning the hearts over many of his beloved community of Monte Vista and the San Luis Valley. He also charmed the air waves in several communities in Northern Colorado, New Mexico and California. He definitely had the gift of gab and had a joke to share, whether you wanted to hear it or not!

Jerry was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Bernie and Rachel Noriega of Monte Vista CO., and Francisco and Eurmania Salazar of Center CO., his father, Modesto Salazar, his sisters Joya {Mike} Guttierrez and Jessica Simmons both of Monte Vista CO. His brother Jan Salazar, Colorado Springs, CO. and nephew Marty Guttierrez of Monte Vista, CO.

He is survived by his mother Martha Salazar, Monte Vista CO., his brother Joey Salazar of Albuquerque, NM and Josette {Louie} Borrego, of Espanola, NM. His former companion Kathy Burns and his son Dominic Salazar, Santa Fe, NM. As well as his beloved 'Scottie', 'America'. Nephews, Michael {Erica} Guttierrez; Harper and Henley of Alamosa CO., Mario Guttierrez, Boulder CO., Nicholas Guttierrez; Mia Guttierrez of Phoenix AZ., Rico {Shawntel} Simmons; Amari and Myles, Alamosa, CO. Modesto, Mari and Madison Guttierrez of Del Norte CO., Dustin {Reni} Salazar; Andrea and Aaliyah Salazar of Albuquerque NM., MacKenzie Salazar. Nieces Rachael {Lucas} Torres; Karsyn, Maverick and Declan Torres, Monte Vista, CO. Marisol {Reno}; Royal and Modesty, Alamosa, CO. Zoe Simmons; Marisela and Mariciano Flores, Alamosa, CO. His aunt Ethel and cousin John Noriega of Monte Vista CO. Cousins Alire's, Carl {Roberta} Medina Richland, TX and cousins Medina from Washington. He also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins as well as his beloved familia Vigil from Ranchos De Taos, and Albuquerque, NM. His best friend and cousin Louie Mansanares. Long time friends, Leroy and Wanda Sanchez, Manuel and Toni Romero, Robert Medina, Tom Maloy and Don and Janet Nolan. He will truly be missed.

A recitation of the Rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, April 20, 2024. A Funeral Mass will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista. The inurnment will follow services at the Colorado State Veterans Center Cemetery at Homelake, Monte Vista CO.

The family of Jerry Salazar has entrusted the care of their loved one to Rogers Family Mortuary, to leave online condolences, tributes, and words of comfort for Jerry's family please visit www.RogersFunerals.com