Catarino "Bito" Salazar, age 96, of Hobart, Indiana and formerly of the Brunswick area passed away Wednesday, August 18th at home with his loving family by his side. Mr. Salazar was born on February 3, 1925, in Ocotlan, Jalisco Mexico to the late Pedro and Margarita Salazar. He is the 3rd of 14 children of which 9 survived. On September 16, 1943 he married the love of his life Pilar Napules. Catarino is survived by his children, Pete (Cookie) Salazar, John (Esperanza) Salazar, Bertha (Gus) Arana, Margie Salazar and Catarino (Irma) Salazar, Jr. He also leaves behind 19 grandchildren, Jesse, Nick, Jimmy, Stephen, John Jr., Andrea, Cathy, Lupe, Catarino III, Elizabeth, Eric, Krissy, Stephanie, Alex, Michael, Amber, Manuel, Ricky and Carolina, 26 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Also survived by devoted godchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cervantes. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Pilar, their beloved son, Manuel, beloved daughter, Grace Nagy and great grandson, Adler Shelbourne. With the help of his father-in-law, Silverio Napules, Catarino came to the United states on January 1, 1950 and secured employment at Inland Steel. In 1952 his family joined him to begin their new life together. After 34 years he retired from Inland Steel as a member of Local 1010. He was self taught and mastered everything from construction, plumbing, leather working, and masonry to his many musical talents. When he was unable to do the work himself due to illness, he was a mentor to many in his family. He is known for his beautiful voice, gifting many with a personal serenade of "Las Manaitas" for their birthday. He looked forward to playing games, fishing, teasing his grandkids and "Barbacoa Club" on Sunday's with his family.
Funeral services will be offered in celebration of Catarino's life from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at Ridgelawn Funeral Home Chapel 4201 West Ridge Road, Gary, Indiana, (219)980-5555. Religious services will begin at 12:00 p.m. Committal services will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery. Bito will be deeply missed by his loving family and many friends. May God Grant Him Eternal Rest. Per CDC recommendations, masks will be required.
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