4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
SALVATIERRA, HECTOR GARCIA
Hector Salvatierra, 81, passed away February 3, 2021 after a long illness. A principled, kind and generous man, he was born in Tucson, AZ to Oscar and Josefina Garcia Salvatierra. He attended SS Peter and Paul grade school and Salpointe High School. He earned a BBA at Loyola University Los Angeles where he met Joan, his loving wife of 59 years. They had five children. Hector loved his faith and his family.
He was very involved over the years with service to the community, the Medlock neighborhood, and St. Francis Xavier Parish in various ministries. Hector enjoyed helping and mentoring young people. He had a passion for the challenges of business, working for various companies, as Business Manager for KOOL TV, Vice-President of Geddes and Company, and founder and builder of local Channel 51.
In later years, he studied voice and learned to sing Italian arias. He had affection for the family pets, especially Toonces, his cat for 19 years.
Hector is survived by his wife Joan, children John (Wilma), Altadena CA, Mary (Doug), Phoenix AZ, Stephen (Heather), Tustin CA, Marc, Marina del Rey CA, and sisters Yrma Jackson, Laplace LA, Julieta Barber, Tucson AZ, and Maria Cristina Evans, Jeffersonville IN., brother Mario, Tucson AZ, and sister-in-law Pam Salvatierra, Menlo Park CA.
He was preceded in death by his beloved youngest son Eric, and brother Oscar Salvatierra Jr. M.D. of Menlo Park CA. Hector was very proud of his 7 granddaughters, Isabella, Mary Grace, Madeline, Natalie, Lia, Eva and Elena. He always kept them entertained.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church, 4715 N. Central, Phoenix at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. Burial at St. Francis Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to charities such as St. Vincent de Paul at SFX, 4715 N. Central, Phoenix AZ 85012, Life Choices Women’s Clinic at 8326 N. 7th St., Phoenix AZ 85020, or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix AZ 85014. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Joan, children John (Wilma), Mary (Doug), Stephen (Heather), Marc.
Hector was an incredible individual. A wonderful mentor, whose intelligence was admired by all who know him. His smile could light up a room, and his eyes twinkled with mischief. His stories were grand and unforgettable. He will always be remembered and cherished. My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences. He will always be in my prayers.
Dear Joan, Mary and Family
I saw Hector’s obit in the paper today and if was a lovely tribute to his life. I want you to know I am thinking of all of you at this sad time. And I remember how valiant Hector was as he showed grace and courage in his suffering.
I miss seeing you both–we all knew each other 26 years!! And throw in as lived in the Lafayette house there is a special connection for me. Take care of yourselves! You both are so special and kind.
With Love
Phyllis Fargotstein (from Dr Demaine/Dr Belden)
Rest In Peace Uncle Hector. You will be missed and remembered for all the joy you brought to our family. Say hello to David, Eric, Oscar, James and Ronnie, and give them a hug for us all.
Aunt Joan & Cousins,
Its with a heavy heart that Brenda, Mathew, Sarah and I send our condolences. Hector’s passing is a sad occasion, but he has left us with many great memories.
As a child I remember Hector visiting our family a couple of times in Lexington, KY. One of those times was during a big snow storm. Hector helped to convince my father that we should all go sledding at a park on the opposite side of town. Half the adventure was getting there, but when we made it we had a great time charging the hills with sleds and tubes!
I also remember Hector was into his routine of skip roping in order to get his cardio workout. Once I began to travel for work, I came to appreciate the simplicity of having a rigorous workout routine to keep you mentally and physically sharp.
My last memory of Hector is what an amazing role model he was as a husband and father. He truly cherished each and everyone of you. During the visits to our family I could see that missed you and was wishing you were there as well.
Hector was a very special man and we will miss him.
All our love,
Scott, Brenda, Mathew and Sarah
Joan and family,
Our condolences on the passing of Hector. You, he and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Angie, Marcos, and Ava Lopez
Joan and family, I am so sad to learn of Hector’s passing. He was truly one of the most wonderful men I have ever had the opportunity to know. I worked for Hector three different time over several years. He always inspired me to be better and he always told me that there is nothing more important than family. I cherish those years I worked for him and all that he taught me. A piece of my heart is broken. Blessing and prayers to all of you. He was a great man and I know he will be so missed.
I wish I could be there to say goodbye properly, but I will be holding Uncle Hector and our family in my thoughts. I am very proud of my uncle, and I will miss him. He is a great man of faith and always did his best to set good examples for all. I will miss him. I am holding my Aunt Joan and my cousins close to my heart and sending you many many prayers. I love you all.
Our hearts are with you all, Joannie, John, Mary, Steve, and Marc. We wish we could be there with you to celebrate Hector and a life well-lived. He leaves behind a wonderful family, legacy, and lots of great stories. We will miss him greatly, and look forward to be able to see you all again soon to honor his memory. Together in sadness, Paul, Jeannie and the kids.
Hector was a great person. We have known Hector and Joan for several years. We have done several jobs for them throughout the years. He will be missed. Our deepest condolence to his entire family. Jeremy and Dona Dolezal from Dyer Electric
Hector left a long legacy of community involvement with many types of support for Medlock Place Historic Neighborhood. We will miss his sage advice and good humor.
So sorry Joan to hear of his passing and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any help we can offer. Praying for your family.
Ellen Bilbrey, President
Medlock Place Historic Neighborhood
Uncle Hector was such a wonderful man. Like my brother Scott, I have many fond memories of my time with Hector and Aunt Joan. Even in his challenging final years, he was always upbeat and willing to share his knowledge and experience. Uncle Hector will live on in our hearts and our constant prayers are with his family.
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to Hector’s family and friends. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Hector and I knew each other from the time I attended SS Peter and Paul in the 3rd grade and through our years together at Salpointe. He was a good friend with a great sense of humor. We double dated a few times with the princesses who attended Salpointe. I know he was a good husband and father, because he was a good man. May he rest in peace.
Hector and I became friends in 1st grade at St Peter and Paul. He and his wife Joan were my neighbors in Catalina Vista before moving to Phoenix. We enjoyed many good times together. He had a great sense of humor, we had so many laughs together. I admired his intelligence. He was Sister Frances Mary’s pet. I will miss Hector, I’ll never forget him. My sincere condolences and prayers to Joan and the entire family.
Irma Salvatierra Jackson,
My prayers are with you and your family at this difficut time. Keep the wonderful memories of the times you
had together always close to your heart.
May the love of friends give you comfort; May God’s love for you and Hector give you peace.
God’s blessings always, Pat Allen Messer, Salpointe ’54
Hector was a memorable guy of what we called ourselves, “The last great class of ’57!” at Salpointe. A wonderful person with laughs and jokes a mile long. I’m terribly saddened at his passing; and I wish my heartfelt sympathy and prayers to his family.
Steve Halper, Salpointe ’57
Aunt Joan, John, Steven, Mary and Marc,
I am so sorry for the loss of Uncle Hector. He was a wonderful kind man who loved you all. As a child I always thought Oscar and Hector looked and acted so similar. As they grew older, they were certainly brothers and comrades. He will be missed. The Rudloff’s send their love from NY.