John "Salti" Saltijeral

John “Salti” Saltijeral passed away peacefully in his home after his two year battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family. John was born on May 4, 1953 in Durango, Mexico. He was the son of Francisco and Apolonia Saltijeral and the brother of Carmen (Felipe) Rocha, Alfonso Saltijeral, Jesse (Betty Jo) Saltijeral, Lupe Gomez and Frank (Shelley) Saltijeral. He was a police officer for the Aurora Police Department. He served proudly for 30 years, retiring in 2004. He felt a special responsibility to serve the people of Aurora. He was one of very few who could translate and was called on by the hospital and other officers to help out whether he was on or off duty. He received many commendations from his superior officers for his high degree of professionalism and courage while on patrol or on dangerous assignments for the vice division. He received many letters of thanks from citizens who appreciated his help and concern during their difficulties. His contributions were also noted by the county, state attorneys, and the U.S. attorneys as well as a senior attorney for the federal government in Washington, D.C. John always had an entrepreneurial spirit. He opened Pancho’s Tacos in 1988. As the business grew, he expanded to Pancho’s Family Restaurant in 2003. The restaurant continues to strive because of his vision. The celebration of his Mexican roots was seen vividly in his restaurant. He created a sense of community where you always felt welcomed and always had a good time while enjoying good food. John’s greatest joy was being with his wife, his children, and grandchildren. He was a loyal friend and a loving brother. He especially loved hosting family parties and going to his grandkid’s sporting events. He could be spotted by the outfield fence in his tye dye shirts and eating sunflower seeds. Survivors include his wife Mary Jane (Weigel) Saltijeral; his children Eve (Nathan) Powell, John Jacob (Claudia) Saltijeral, David Saltijeral, Elizabeth (Stephen Walan) Saltijeral, Isabel Saltijeral and his six grandchildren Cesar Saltijeral-Powell, Christopher Nally-Saltijeral, Jacob Saltijeral, Mary Elizabeth Saltijeral, Alexandra Powell and Braeden Powell. He is also survived by his godsons Kyle Saltijeral, Clay Saltijeral, and Michael Armstrong. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Francisco William. Funeral from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY will be Monday, July 24, 2017 at 12:30pm to Holy Angels Church at 1:00pm. A concelebrated Mass will be offered by Fr. Michael Lavin and Fr. Jerome Leake with entombment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, July 23, 2017 from 12:00pm until 7:00pm with the Rosary to be recited at 12:00pm at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY 220 N Lake St., Aurora, 630-631-5500. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for John’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Wall School or Holy Angels Food Pantry.

John "Salti" Saltijeral

May 4, 1953 - July 19, 2017