Tony Joseph Salazar, born Antonio Ramon Salazar was a beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Uncle and cherished friend, who passed away in the comfort of his hometown in Bakersfield, CA. Life began also in Bakersfield as the second eldest child of Tiburcio and Josephine Salazar, who raised eight children together. He enlisted into the army for the Second World War in December of 1942, and served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He was joined in the war by his younger brother Johnny J. Salazar as part of reconnaissance teams that greatly contributed to the war effort throughout Europe. His first introduction to combat was in Africa, he then fought with campaigns in Italy, France, Belgium and Holland. He was wounded twice during battles in Europe, and decorated for his sacrifices with the Medal of the Purple Heart among other decorations and citations. He was very proud of his war service and would later contribute as an influential war veteran. He returned from service in December 1945, and within a few years started a family in Washington D.C. with his first marriage to Malva Kaiser, and raised two daughters, Helene and Antoinette. He returned to Bakersfield in 1950, to start a career as a Sheet Metal Worker, and over the next 33 years worked on several notable projects throughout Southern CA, including the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant. The fortunes of life brought on a second marriage to his beloved Rosario Ochoa in 1966, who raised a son, Edward. He retired in 1983 enjoying life in San Clemente, CA and Mexico during these later years. He returned to Bakersfield in 1991, to be close to family and start the beginning of his great influence with various local and national veteran organizations, including the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), of which he was a life member and for the MOPH a Dept. of CA Commander. He was especially proud in the last several years of his involvement and contributions to the Kern County Associated Veterans Honor Guard, which he conducted funeral ceremonies for, for thousands of veterans. He truly will be remembered as a war hero confirmed many times over by the veterans who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosario, his daughter Helene, his son Edward; his sisters, Elena, Carmen, Vivian, Carolina, and Rosanne; 4 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Associated Veterans Honor Guard, 1120 Golden State Bakersfield,CA, ATTN: Kelly Tritch, or to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, 4200 Deacon Ave., Bakersfield CA. A visitation for Tony will be held at Hopson-Anspach Family Mortuary on Monday, December 12, 2011, from 2-8 p.m. with Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday ,December 13, 2011, beginning at 10:00 a.m.at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Military rites will be Friday, December 16, 2011, 10:45 at a.m., at Bakersfield National Cemetery.