Salvador Vasquez Garcia

On June 30, 2024, Salvador Vasquez Garcia, loving husband, father, uncle, brother and grandfather passed away suddenly in his home in San Jose, California. Salvador is survived by his wife of 74 years, Guadalupe and their children; Geni, Susana, Salvador Jr. and Gilbert, and numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first granddaughter, Stephanie.

Salvador was born in Mexico on February 26,1926 to Maria Luisa Vasquez and Enrique Garcia Finado. A dream of his was to improve his standing and to follow his oldest sister to the United States. In 1957, he obtained his visa and emigrated north. He arrived in Chicago, living with family members until he could get situated.

He learned English language so he could find employment. After some time, he arranged for his wife and two daughters to meet him in Chicago. He began his employment with General Binding Cooperation (GBC) in Skokie, Illinois.

Salvador would again follow his sister and relocated to San Jose in the early 1960’s with his oldest daughter. He stayed with family again until he was able to bring his wife and three other children who had remained in Chicago. After a few years, he purchased a house in San Jose. That was to be the home he would live in for the rest of his life.

Salvador began his career as a tool and die maker at small workshops in San Jose. It was quite an accomplishment for someone with a limited education and a language barrier to quickly acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for the occupation. All while developing his reading and math skills without formal education or training.

Salvador was then hired by the International Business Machine Corporation (IBM); he was so proud to work there. He was able to promote at IBM by taking advantage of the training classes provided to him. He retired after 37 years, occasionally returning as a contract worker. His final title at IBM was Senior Model Maker, which he would proudly share on his business card.

Salvador loved to bowl and would join as many leagues as possible. He bowled a perfect game with a score of 300. He also enjoyed bike riding, once traveling to Oregon with a group of coworkers. He was very proud to have completed the trip. A DVD of the ride was given to Salvador, which was played at his 90th birthday party. Salvador would spend his evenings reading magazines; Reader’s Digest and Popular Mechanics were two of his favorites

Salvador was a member of the local Sons of Retirement (SIR) Branch. The group is devoted to the promotion of independence and dignity of retirement. SIR’s purpose is to assist men in renewing former friendships and provide opportunities to make new friends through association with other retirees. Salvador was given an award for celebrating his milestone 90th birthday and his continued activeness.

Through his hard work and dedication, Salvador was able to enjoy and live out the existence he desired. He was very loyal to his immediate and extended family members, stepping up and giving assistance and support when approached, without hesitation.

Salvador will always be remembered for his intelligence, charismatic personality and good looks. He was forever sharing sincere compliments, causing the recipient and those present to smile.

Funeral services for Salvador will be as follows:

Saturday, August 10, 2024

Visitation in Room E, 9AM to 3PM

Visitation in Chapel of Roses, 3PM to 6PM

Rosary in Chapel of Roses at 6PM

Sunday, August 11, 2024

Final viewing in Chapel of Roses 9AM to 11AM

Eulogy in Chapel of Roses 11AM to 12 PM

Interment 12:15 PM

Reception will follow.