On Saturday, January 4, 2020 Selerino “Sal” Balderas III passed away suddenly at the age of 67. He was an alumni of St. Mary’s Elementary and High Schools and Phoenix College, and a veteran of the US Air Force and Arizona National Guard. Working at Talking Stick Arena emphasized his love for sports, as he was a diehard fan of the Phoenix Suns, AZ Cardinals, AZ Diamondbacks and ASU Sun Devils. He also worked at Pro’s Choice Movers. Sal was a generous person and never knew a stranger. Preceded in death by his parents Sal Jr. and Dora Balderas and brother’s in-law Jeff Anderson and Richard Aldrete. “Bubba” is survived by his siblings, Diana Garcia (Kilo), Lisa Anderson, Eric Balderas (Sandra), Marta Aldrete, and nieces and nephews Melissa Pecak (Marcin), Brandon and Brianna Pecak, Redge Aldrete, Monica, Leslie, Erica, and Eric Balderas and many loving cousins. A Rosary will be held at 9:30 AM Tuesday, January 14, 2020, immediately followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Basilica in Phoenix, 231 N. 3rd St, 85004. Interment will take place at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N 48th St., in Phoenix.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Valerie Angulo Lauerman
Bubba will forever be remembered for his good nature, generosity, and ear to ear smile. I will miss his presence. Love to all my cousins and his friends.
Bill Eden
To Family and Friends, Our brother Sal will be missed. He carried his gentle spirit and kindness always. Rest in Peace Bub.
Nelma Shearer
Sal moved us into our house over 31 years ago. He always had a smile on his face and kind words to share. A smile comes to my face when I think of Sal. He had a fabulous sense of humor. JIm (the Machine) has many wonderful stories to share about Sal.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sal’s family.
In sympathy,
JIm and Nelma Shearer
Pat Tankersley
I was saddened to hear of Sal’s passing. I worked with Sal on more Cardinals Charities events than I can count in the early 2000s. We became good friends and I called on him many times for other help. He took care of our family move locally in 1998 and again in 2017. He also took care of long distant moves for our daughter. His phone number is in my cell phone and he was always telling me to give him a call if I ever needed anything.
Through my tears today, I am wishing I could give and receive another big bear hug with one of the sweetest guys I have ever known. RIP Sal.
Frankie Pantoja
Baba always kept in touch with me I’m going to miss him, God bless him he was an awesome friend just like his dad God bless him.
Frank P Angulo
Went to boot camp with Sal we were in the Air National Guard for 5 years.A great guy You will be missed”Bubba”
Audrey Chatel
I just found out that my good friend Sal is gone to heaven and I can’t quit crying. I didn’t know. I just saw him the week before he passed. We would say a prayer together sometimes and I’m going to miss him so terribly much. I am Canadian with no family out here. Sal took me under his wing and always told me he would be there for me.
I can’t believe I have lost such a good friend and good friends are hard to find. I would like to visit his grave if you would be as kind to tell me where it is. I am so so sorry for your lose. I know i lost a good friend. He always was so positive and smiling.
Lisa Anderson
Audrey Chatel – Thank you for your kind words. Sal’s ashes will be buried in middle February with his parents Sal Balderas Jr. and Dora Balderas at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery 233 N 48th St, Phoenix, 85008.