Juan O. Salazar, 85, of Denver, died Tuesday, January 21, 2020. He was born to the late Cristobal Salazar and Paula Orozco, June 22, 1934 in Tlaltenango, Zac., Mexico. Juan married Monica Garcilaso December 21, 1970, they lived in Denver, CO.
Juan came to Denver on June 28, 1963, he started working at the Original Mexican Cafe on June 30, 1963.
Juan & Monica opened there first restaurant, Guadalajara Restaurant, in the early 1970's. In 1976 they opened Los Sombreros Restaurant and were there 14 1/2 years until 1990. They downsized to the Sombrero Cafe after that and then closed there doors for the final time in 1994, ending Juan's career as an owner/operator in the restaurant business.
After Juan retired, he dedicated his time to teaching marriage preparation classes at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, he also went on to teach Baptism classes.
His first and most important priority in life was dedication to his family. First his parents and siblings, then his wife, daughters, grandchildren and great granddaughters.
His beautiful wife, Monica, was never far from his side, throughout their life. They enjoyed going to mass together and they went out for breakfast or lunch dates a couple of times a week until the very end.
Juan is survived by his dear wife, Monica Salazar, his beloved daughters; Patricia (Brian) Vigil, Lucy Salazar and Rose Vasquez. His beautiful grandchildren; Luciana (Darrel) Libhart, Raul Barron Jr. and Andrea Barron Salazar and his little Princesas - great granddaughters Ava and Emma Libhart. He is also survived by his siblings; Josefina Minjares, Josemaria Salazar, Antonia (Refujio) Rico, Socorro (Jesus) Contreras, Guadalupe (Manuel Garcia), J. Patrocino (Imelda) Salazar, Alfredo (Altagracia) Salazar, Otilia (Salvador) Bañuelos, Maria del Refujio (Clemente) Gordo and Aureliano (Abelina) Salazar. He is preceded in death by his parents Cristobal Salazar and Paula Orozco and 8 siblings.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, www.stjude.org