Salvador ‘Sal’ Valencia

Salvador “Sal” Valencia died on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 with his wife and daughters at his side. He was 65.

Mr. Valencia was born in Salinas to Jose and Celia Valencia. They moved to Watsonville and resided in the Casserly-Salsipuedes area where Mr. Valencia and his five sisters grew up.

While in high school, Mr. Valencia met the love of his life, Gloria Banuelos. They married on June 11, 1977 at Holy Eucharist Catholic Church in Corralitos. When he was not at home with his family, he was at his second home in the lettuce fields.

When he graduated high school, he left for college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. But when his mother, Celia, had been in a bad car crash that left her vision partially impaired. Mr. Valencia made the decision to leave school and go home to be with his mother and family in this time. He was one year short of graduating with a degree in agriculture.

He worked in the seed industry for over 30 years and was directly involved in the sale and production of lettuce, cauliflower, celery and other commodities.

Mr. Valencia is survived by his wife of 47 years, Gloria; his two daughters, Vanessa (George) Waszczuk, and Alexis (Richard) Sousa; five grandchildren; his father, Jose Valencia; and his five sisters; in-laws, Gilbert and Lupe Banuelos; several brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws; several nieces and nephews; and three godchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Celia Valencia; and a nephew.

Arrangements have been entrusted in the care of The Carroll Family of Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, www.avemariamemorialchapel.com.