Michael "Chino" Martine Salazar Jr.

Michael “Chino” Salazar, 36 was called to rest on December 20, 2021. He was a man of many nicknames and will be dearly missed by everyone, whether you called him Chino, Chino Bro, Chopper, Mikey, Mike, Martin, or Richard. Chino was born on July 26, 1985 in Alamogordo, NM. He was raised by his father Michael Salazar and his loving grandparents Petrolino and Agnes Salazar. Chino married his wife Samantha Romero on September 14, 2013. Chino had so much to be proud of, though his greatest accomplishment was his “Lino Bud” and his “Babes” Sierra Mia, who were his world. Chino fulfilled his childhood dream of owning a trucking business when he started Chino Trucking LLC in 2011. He also dreamed of being a heavy equipment hauler; and with many years of hard work, he was able to make that dream come true in 2020. Chino’s incredible knowledge of diesel mechanics will be missed by many who turned to him for advice. Chino had a heart of gold and a contagious smile. The word "no" was not in his vocabulary and everyone who knew him knew they could call on him for anything. He cherished the time he spent with his family. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and cruising his Razor. He took pride in his trucks and loved spending time in the shop, where he spent many of his days off making sure his trucks were ready for another week. Chino is preceded in death by his Grandfather Petrolino Salazar, Father-in-Law Frank Romero, and Brother-in-Law Markes Chavez. Chino is survived by his wife Samantha, children Lino and Sierra, Grandmother Agnes Salazar, his father Michael Salazar, his sisters Bridget Chavez, Michelle Salazar, DeAna Verdugo, Uncles Robert Salazar (Marie), Everett Salazar, Sam Salazar, Mike Vega (Amanda), Aunt Geri Salazar, Mother-in-Law Henrietta Garcia (Joe), Brother-in-laws Francisco Romero (Donna), Gabriel Romero (Natalie), Peter Romero (Kerrie), Dusty Dennisson (Andrea), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 28 at the Moriarty Civic Center. Viewing will be at 10am. Services will follow at 11am. The service will be officiated by Patrick Pachta. Burial will be at the Stanley Cemetery. Pallbearers are Raymond Encinias, Petey Montano, Gilbert Baldonado, Jake Salazar, Kiko Salazar, Mike Vega, Dusty Dennisson, and Michael Barrares. Honorary Pallbearers are all of Chino’s nieces, nephews, and cousins, Pete and Bernice Montano, Genaro Olivas, and all his Trucker friends and family.