Cesar Jose Salinas

Cesar Jose Salinas, at the age of 97, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 5, 2024, in his home in Laredo, Texas, surrounded by his family. 

Cesar was a loving husband to his wife Sara, father, grandad, and great grandad. Each of his children and grandchildren were inspired by his positive, can-do attitude and love for everyone around him. Our dad will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him. 

Cesar proudly served his country as a Sergeant First Class in the Occupational Force of the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany for two years as an MP.

Cesar started his teaching career at Heights Elementary school in 1950. Cesar was appointed assistant principal in 1960 and two years later was named principal. He served as principal at Heights Elementary School until May 1978. In August of 1978 Cesar was appointed principal of Santo Nino Elementary. Throughout his career he launched many programs and activities for his school and community. He retired in 1990 after 40 years of dedication to the children of L.I.S.D. 

While Cesar was a school principal, he saw the need for Laredo teachers to have access to print rich materials as well as educational toys and opened Carrousel Educational Supply, a family business in 1974.

Cesar not only devoted his life to the field of education, but was also very active in civic organizations including working summers as a counselor at Camp Stewart for Boys in Hunt, Texas, President of the Laredo Federal Teachers Credit Union, Laredo City Council PTA, District President for TEPSA, Laredo Border Olympics, and President of the Laredo Rotary Club. He was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1980. 

Cesar undoubtedly left an impression on many lives establishing ideas, beliefs, and values that will be remembered through his legacy. 

Cesar was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years Sara O. Salinas, his parents Daniel Salinas and Otila Gonzalez Salinas, his sisters Amelia Salinas, Diana Czar, Bertha Gutierrez, and his brothers Daniel Salinas and Rogelio Salinas, and his beloved grandson Brandon Salinas. 

Cesar is survived by his children, Laura (Peter) Gonzales, Cesar (Laura) Salinas Jr., Sarita (Joe Sandoval) Salinas, Jose “Pepe” (Tracy) Salinas, and Melissa (David) Shinn; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Daniel) Garza, Robert Gonzales, Peter (Mabel) Gonzales Jr., Christopher (Ticole) Gonzales, Ricky Salinas, Eliot (Ellen) Jennings, Cordero (Alyssa) Jennings, Travis Salinas, Amanda Shinn, Meagan Shinn, and Richard Shinn; great -grandchildren, Daniel, Sophia, Lily, Nina, Olivia, Bradley, Carson, and Ruby. 

Pallbearers will be David Shinn, Robert Gonzales, Peter Gonzales Jr, Ricky Salinas, Travis Salinas, Cordero Jennings, and Daniel Garza.

 Honorary pallbearers will be Cesar Salinas Jr, Jose“Pepe”Salinas, Peter Gonzales, and Joe Sandoval. 

 The family will be receiving condolences on Thursday morning, July 11, 2024 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 9 a.m.

 Funeral Services will follow, departing at 10:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.

 Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. 

 You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

 Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.