Jose "Joe" Salas

10/23/1941 – 05/18/2022

Jose “Joe” Salas, 80, of Santa Ana, CA, passed away surrounded by family and close friends on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 after his battle with Lymphoma and dementia.

Joe was born on October 23, 1941 at his parent’s residence, 926 E. Pine Street, Santa Ana, California to Francisco Salas and Concepcion “Concha” Raya Salas, both of Mexico. Joe met Annie in 1960 and they married on January 5, 1963. They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Joe resided in Orange County the entirety of his life.

Joe graduated from Santa Ana High School in 1960. He earned his Journeyman Certification to become a Painter on June 1, 1966. He belonged to the Painters & Allied Trades Local Union 1036. The majority of his career he painted both commercial and residential buildings, including rides and attractions at Disneyland. Joe retired from his profession in 2003.

Joe was mechanically inclined and a talented handyman. His hobbies were building and flying remote-control airplanes and bowling. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, the beach, and family BBQ’s. He was the drummer in his garage band called You Have Got to be Kidding Band and they performed at the Orange International Street Fair and the Costa Mesa Jubilee!

Joe is preceded in eternal life by his parents Frank Salas Sr. and Concepcion Raya Salas and his siblings Ernestine Hernandez, Gloria Silva, Frank Salas Jr., and Robert Salas.

He is survived by his beloved wife Anita “Annie” Medina Salas and children Joe (M. Elena) Salas, Lorraine (Rudy) Arvizo and Gabriel Salas. He has four grandchildren, Nicole Cabrera, Erika Arvizo-Ramirez, Chantel Salas and Joseph Salas. He also has four great-grandchildren, Matthew Gonzales, Julian Ramirez, Jeremiah Ramirez and Jacoby Ramirez.

Joe is survived by his siblings: Charlie Salas, Danny Salas, David Salas and John Salas.

We will miss his joking nature and infectious smile. Joe will live in our hearts forever.