Michael J. Salata

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend, Michael J. Salata, 87, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Mary Salata, grandson Michael Salata IV, aunt Veronica Lahita, uncle John Lahita, cousin Cardinal Josef Lahita Tompko and baby Angel Chimento.

He is survived by his children: Debbie Garcia (Ron), Michael Salata (Katiusha), Wally Salata, Cindy Ormseth (Mickey), Lenore Kozlowski; 17 grandchildren: Victor Garcia (Mia), Monica Ashley (Charles), Jocelyn Hall (D'Albert), Mickayla Salata, Nikolette Salata, Maria Salata, Nicholas Salata, Paulina Salata, Alexandria Salata, Walt Salata, Georgia Salata, Chelsie Ormseth, Michael Ormseth, Amanda Ormesth, Vincent Walthers von Alten, Gillie Kozlowski, Josephine Kozlowski; 11 great-grandchildren: Christopher "CJ" Justus, Victor Garcia, Kaelynn Hall, Ayva Hall, Charlee Ashley Hall, Almaya Hall, Jaydee Hall, Dwayne Hall, Lance Walthers, Zayne Thomas, Stetson Foshee; sister Rose Chimento (John), cousin John Lahita, sister-in-law Margie Magistro (Charles); nephews and nieces: John Chimento (Lorielle), Samantha Lujan (Vince), Vinnie Chimento, Lauren Lewis (Larry), Tony Chimento (Michelle), Matthew Magistro, Tim Magistro (Natalie); great nephews and nieces: Nicholas Chimento, Adrianna Chimento, Gabriel Chimento, Dylan Waters, Elizabeth Waters, Aaron Romero, Rachel Romero, Giovanni Chimento, Nico Chimento, Joseph Chimento, Alexander Unis, Isabella Unis, Olivia Chimento, Sage Magistro, Ashlyn Magistro, Shane Magistro, Dylan Magistro; great-great niece: Jacqueline Waters, also many dear friends.

Michael was born on July 27, 1935 in New York City, New York and was a Rio Rancho resident for over forty-five years.

Michael's Life Celebration will begin with a visitation on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 9:35 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church located at 1502 Sara Rd, Rio  Rancho, 87124. Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. Michael will be laid to rest following the mass at Mount Calvary Cemetery located at 1900 Edith Blvd NE, 87102. Reception will follow burial at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Hall.

Pallbearers will be Vinnie Chimento, Victor Garcia, Walter Salata, Gillie Kozlowski, Vince Alten, and Michael Ormseth.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Tony Chimento and John Chimento.