Armando "Sal" Salinas

Armando Salinas, fondly known as “Sal” died in his home on September 28, 2023, at the age of 94, surrounded by his family. Sal was born on August 3, 1929 in East LA, a community adjacent to downtown Los Angeles, California. He was born at home to Charles Salinas and Elvira Martinez Salinas and was their only child. He attended schools in the neighborhood, graduating from Cathedral High School with athletic honors. He and his best friend immediately joined the Navy together. It was in the Navy that he acquired his “nick name” Sal. After Basic Training in San Diego, California, he was assigned to the Mine Sweeper USS Strive, and then the Troop Transport USS Thomas Jefferson, participating in two “on shore landings” during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, he was immediately hired by AT&T. Through friends, he soon met his future wife, Betty Harris. They were married in the chapel on the grounds of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Los Angeles and soon moved to Santa Ana, California, buying a home on the G.I. Bill. They had a good life in Santa Ana, where their four children were born, tent camping on the weekends and vacations. Sal was very active with his boys in the Orange County YMCA Indian Guides program, and became Chief of the Golden Eagle Nation for a period of time. After 17 years, Sal was able to transfer to Continental Telephone Company (Verizon-Frontier) in Mammoth Lakes, California, continuing the outdoor good life. He eventually became the supervisor of Mammoth and the surrounding areas. When the kids graduated from Mammoth High School and went off to college, Sal soon retired and he and Betty moved to Minden, Nevada. They enjoyed traveling on many cross-country trips in their motor home, going on several cruises and camping trips with their many friends. Sal is survived by his wife, Betty, of 69 years, 4 children, Lori Curtis, Cari Proehl, Robert Salinas (Candace), Edward Salinas (Stacy), 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. There will be a burial ceremony with Military Honors at Eastside Memorial Park, Minden, Friday, November 24, 2023 at 1:00pm. Following the ceremony there will be a light meal at the Salinas home where they will share memories, including a video of Sal’s life created by his two sons.

Armando "Sal" Salinas

August 3, 1929 - September 28, 2023