Jesus Amando Salcedo was born Feb. 6, 1921, in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico to parents Silviano Salcedo and Leonarda Perez Salcedo.
At an early age, the Salcedo family migrated to Los Angeles, CA where Jesus attended grammar school. Jesus’ father, Silviano Salcedo, took great pride in being on the construction crew who helped build the Los Angeles City Hall from 1926 to 1928.
Together with his father and at 7 years old, Jesus proudly attended the Grand Opening and Dedication of the Los Angeles City Hall in 1928.
The Salcedo family moved back to the state of Chihuahua, Mexico and after living there for several years, he met Gloria Valdivia. Gloria’s family had moved to Chihuahua from Longmont, CO, along with the majority of the Valdivia Clan, at the time of Repatriation.
Jesus and Gloria were married in 1940 and had their first son Armando in 1942 in Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico. Upon returning to the United States in 1945, they had a second child, Lena Ruth in Tornillo, TX.
Moving to California in 1947, Jesus began working at W.A. Taylor Ranch and Winery picking grapes, also known as Almaden Vineyards, in Hollister, CA. Shortly thereafter, they had their third and fourth children, Jesus David Jr., in 1948 and Angela, in 1951.
The Salcedo’s lived happily at “El Gavilan Ranch” welcoming and providing warmth and support to countless families who came to Hollister to work at Almaden Vineyards on a seasonal basis.
Shortly thereafter, many families decided to stay and establish themselves in Hollister.
Tragically, in 1963, Gloria Valdivia Salcedo passed away unexpectedly. Much sadness filled El Gavilan Ranch and the Salcedo family. Jesus struggled to raise his two daughters and one son, while the oldest son, Armando was away in the United States Army, serving with the 82nd Airborne Division.
Fortunately for Jesus and family, he met a wonderful woman, Clementina Ramirez, and they were married in 1965. In 1966, Maria Del Rosario (Charito) was born. In 1969, Elizabeth Christina (Lisa) was born.
While working as a Foreman for Almaden Vineyards, Jesus became actively involved in the lack of rights and the unfair treatment of all field workers. His loyalty to the employee’s and commitment to civil rights resulted in his long term involvement in the United Farm Workers (UFW) movement with Cesar Chavez. As a local delegate and union negotiator, Jesus became very active with the UFW. As a result, after many years of activism, protests, strikes and marches, the workers at Almaden Vineyards, along with all of the farmworkers associated with the UFW, health services and retirement benefits were established. Jesus and his family are very proud and humbled by Jesus’ activism in this very high profile civil rights struggle.
Jesus would often say at family gatherings, referring to his children and grandchildren, “Look at this, look at them. I am so proud to be responsible for all of them.”
Out of all of his accomplishments, which are too many to list, Jesus took the most pride in his children and his family. Jesus was 90 years old, is survived by his loving wife, Clementina, six children, 13 grandchildren, 14 great- grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews. All of the Salcedo family and relatives are the PROUD descendants of Jesus Amando Salcedo, an honorable, exceptional and humble husband, father, grandfather, tio and human being.
The Rosary will be on Thursday, June 16, 2011, at 7:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church. The Mass will be on Friday, June 17, 2011, at 10:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church. A procession will leave the funeral home at 9:45 AM to preceed to the church. Interment will follow the Mass at Calvary Cemetery.
Friends can pay their respects on Thursday from 1:00 P.M. until 5:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Further viewing will be at the church from 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.
Condolences: www.blackcoopersander.com
